Pharmacology Therapeutic Applications and Clinical Use 3

Question 1

Tamoxifen is used in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. It acts as a:

Accepted Answer

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)

Answer

Tamoxifen is a SERM that antagonizes estrogen receptors in breast tissue while acting as a partial agonist in other tissues.

Question 2

Which antiepileptic drug is preferred for absence seizures and works by blocking T-type calcium channels?

Accepted Answer

Ethosuximide

Answer

Ethosuximide selectively blocks T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons, reducing the spike-wave discharges of absence seizures.

Question 3

A patient on long-term corticosteroid therapy is at risk for osteoporosis. Which drug should be co-prescribed as prophylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Bisphosphonate plus vitamin D and calcium

Answer

Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) with calcium and vitamin D are recommended to prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Question 4

Clozapine is reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia despite its efficacy because it carries a risk of:

Accepted Answer

Agranulocytosis

Answer

Clozapine can cause life-threatening agranulocytosis, requiring mandatory ANC monitoring with a REMS program.

Question 5

Naloxone is administered to an unconscious patient suspected of opioid overdose. The expected immediate clinical effect is:

Accepted Answer

Reversal of respiratory depression

Answer

Naloxone competitively displaces opioids from mu-receptors, rapidly reversing respiratory depression.

Pharmacology Practice Test