NRCMA Pharmacology Basics 2

Question 1

The 'therapeutic index' of a drug refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ratio between the toxic dose and the effective dose

Answer

The therapeutic index (TI) is the ratio of the toxic dose to the effective dose. A narrow TI means the toxic dose is close to the effective dose, requiring careful monitoring.

Question 2

Which schedule of controlled substances has the highest potential for abuse and NO accepted medical use in the US?

Accepted Answer

Schedule I

Answer

Schedule I substances (e.g., heroin, LSD) have no accepted medical use and the highest abuse potential, making them illegal for any clinical prescribing.

Question 3

An antagonist drug works by:

Accepted Answer

Blocking a receptor and preventing a response

Answer

An antagonist binds to a receptor without activating it, blocking agonists from binding and producing a response.

Question 4

Enteral routes of drug administration include:

Accepted Answer

Oral, sublingual, and rectal

Answer

Enteral routes involve the gastrointestinal tract: oral (swallowed), sublingual (under tongue), and rectal (via rectum).

Question 5

Penicillin is an example of which drug category?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic (beta-lactam)

Answer

Penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, used primarily against gram-positive bacteria.

(NRCMA) Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

(NRCMA) Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NRCMA Pharmacology Basics 2