PSA Adverse Drug Reactions

Question 1

What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse drug reaction?

Accepted Answer

Side effects are expected secondary effects; adverse reactions are harmful unintended effects

Answer

Side effects are known, predictable secondary effects (like drowsiness from antihistamines), while adverse drug reactions are harmful, unintended responses that may require treatment modification.

Question 2

What is a Type A adverse drug reaction?

Accepted Answer

A dose-dependent, predictable reaction related to the drug's known pharmacological action

Answer

Type A (augmented) reactions are extensions of the drug's pharmacological effect, predictable, dose-dependent, and account for about 80% of adverse reactions.

Question 3

What is anaphylaxis and how should it be treated?

Accepted Answer

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction treated with intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)

Answer

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency involving airway swelling, hypotension, and potentially death. Intramuscular adrenaline is the first-line treatment.

Question 4

What drugs commonly cause QT prolongation?

Accepted Answer

Certain antibiotics (erythromycin, fluoroquinolones), antipsychotics, and antiarrhythmics

Answer

Many drug classes can prolong the QT interval, including macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, methadone, and some antiemetics, risking torsades de pointes.

Question 5

What is the Yellow Card Scheme?

Accepted Answer

The UK system for reporting suspected adverse drug reactions to the MHRA

Answer

The Yellow Card Scheme allows healthcare professionals and patients to report suspected adverse drug reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

(PSA) Prescribing Safety Assessment Practice Test

(PSA) Prescribing Safety Assessment Practice Test

PSA Adverse Drug Reactions