Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy General 3

Question 1

What is the therapeutic drug monitoring target trough for vancomycin AUC/MIC in serious MRSA infections?

Accepted Answer

400–600 mg·h/L

Answer

Current ASHP/IDSA guidelines recommend a vancomycin AUC/MIC target of 400–600 mg·h/L for serious MRSA infections.

Question 2

A pregnant patient in her first trimester needs an antibiotic. Which is generally considered safest?

Accepted Answer

Amoxicillin

Answer

Penicillins like amoxicillin are FDA Pregnancy Category B and considered safe throughout pregnancy.

Question 3

What is the primary mechanism by which statins reduce cardiovascular risk?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis

Answer

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, reducing LDL levels.

Question 4

Which opioid is preferred for patients with renal failure due to lack of active metabolite accumulation?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Fentanyl is metabolized to inactive metabolites and is preferred in renal failure to avoid accumulation of toxic active metabolites.

Question 5

A pharmacist identifies a medication error before dispensing. What is the MOST appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the prescriber to clarify and correct the order

Answer

Contacting the prescriber to clarify and correct the order is the appropriate first step in resolving a prescription error.

Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Practice Test