SPEX SPEX Pharmacology

Question 1

Which mechanism describes how warfarin exerts its anticoagulant effect?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase

Answer

Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, preventing regeneration of reduced vitamin K needed for clotting factor synthesis.

Question 2

A patient on metformin develops lactic acidosis. Which condition most increases this risk?

Accepted Answer

Renal impairment

Answer

Renal impairment reduces metformin clearance, causing accumulation and increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.

Question 3

Which drug class is first-line for managing acute gout attacks in a patient without contraindications?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs

Answer

NSAIDs such as indomethacin are first-line for acute gout attacks due to rapid anti-inflammatory effect.

Question 4

Which antibiotic class inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins?

Accepted Answer

Beta-lactams

Answer

Beta-lactam antibiotics bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation and bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Question 5

A patient taking an SSRI is started on tramadol for pain. What serious interaction should be anticipated?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Combining SSRIs with tramadol (which inhibits serotonin reuptake) can precipitate serotonin syndrome due to excess serotonergic activity.

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