Pharmacology Antimicrobial and Chemotherapeutic Agents 2

Question 1

Which aminoglycoside antibiotic is most commonly associated with nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity?

Accepted Answer

Gentamicin

Answer

Gentamicin and other aminoglycosides accumulate in renal proximal tubule cells and cochlear hair cells, causing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Question 2

A patient with a penicillin allergy requires treatment for MRSA bacteremia. Which antibiotic is the drug of choice?

Accepted Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Vancomycin is the first-line agent for MRSA infections and is a safe alternative for penicillin-allergic patients since it belongs to a different drug class.

Question 3

Which mechanism best explains how fluoroquinolones kill bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV

Answer

Fluoroquinolones inhibit DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) in gram-negative bacteria and topoisomerase IV in gram-positive bacteria, preventing DNA replication and repair.

Question 4

A nurse is administering IV vancomycin too rapidly. The patient develops flushing, erythema, and hypotension of the face, neck, and torso. This reaction is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Red Man Syndrome

Answer

Red Man Syndrome is a rate-related infusion reaction caused by non-immune mast cell degranulation and histamine release when vancomycin is infused too rapidly.

Question 5

Which antifungal drug works by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis through blockade of lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase?

Accepted Answer

Fluconazole

Answer

Azole antifungals like fluconazole inhibit CYP450-dependent lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal membrane integrity.

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Antimicrobial and Chemotherapeutic Agents 2