OCC OCC Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NSAID is preferred in elderly patients due to its shorter half-life and lack of active metabolites?
- Ibuprofen (Correct answer)
- Naproxen
- Piroxicam
- Ketorolac (long-term)
Correct answer: Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen has a shorter half-life and no active metabolites, making it preferable to longer-acting NSAIDs like naproxen or piroxicam in elderly patients.
Question 2: A patient with COPD and hypertension should avoid which antihypertensive class due to risk of bronchospasm?
- Non-selective beta-blockers (Correct answer)
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Thiazide diuretics
Correct answer: Non-selective beta-blockers
Non-selective beta-blockers block beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchoconstriction in COPD patients.
Question 3: Lithium toxicity is most likely to occur with which concurrent medication?
- NSAIDs (Correct answer)
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
- Acetaminophen
Correct answer: NSAIDs
NSAIDs reduce renal prostaglandin synthesis, decreasing renal lithium clearance and raising lithium serum levels to toxic range.
Question 4: Which antibiotic class inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)?
- Beta-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins) (Correct answer)
- Fluoroquinolones
- Aminoglycosides
- Macrolides
Correct answer: Beta-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins)
Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit transpeptidation of peptidoglycan by irreversibly binding penicillin-binding proteins, disrupting cell wall synthesis.
Question 5: A patient taking SSRIs for depression also takes tramadol for pain. What serious drug interaction should be monitored?
- Serotonin syndrome (Correct answer)
- QT prolongation
- Agranulocytosis
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Correct answer: Serotonin syndrome
Both SSRIs and tramadol increase serotonergic activity; combined use risks serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening condition.
Question 6: Which medication used for osteoporosis works by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption?
- Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate) (Correct answer)
- Teriparatide
- Denosumab mechanism is different
- Calcium and vitamin D
Correct answer: Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate)
Bisphosphonates incorporate into bone matrix and are ingested by osteoclasts, inducing osteoclast apoptosis and reducing bone resorption.
OCC OCC Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2
Which NSAID is preferred in elderly patients due to its shorter half-life and lack of active metabolites?