Pharmacy Therapeutics 4

Question 1

A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is already on an ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker. Which additional agent has been shown to reduce mortality?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone

Answer

Aldosterone antagonists like spironolactone reduce mortality in HFrEF by blocking adverse cardiac remodeling caused by aldosterone.

Question 2

Which drug interaction is most likely to cause serotonin syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Linezolid + sertraline

Answer

Linezolid has MAO-inhibitory properties; combining it with an SSRI like sertraline significantly elevates synaptic serotonin and risks serotonin syndrome.

Question 3

Which antibiotic class is associated with QT prolongation and is contraindicated in patients with congenital long QT syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Fluoroquinolones

Answer

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin) block cardiac hERG potassium channels, prolonging the QT interval and increasing risk of torsades de pointes.

Question 4

A 65-year-old patient is prescribed a statin for primary prevention. Which statin and dose is recommended by ACC/AHA guidelines for moderate-intensity therapy?

Accepted Answer

Atorvastatin 10 mg

Answer

Atorvastatin 10 mg and simvastatin 20–40 mg are moderate-intensity statins per ACC/AHA guidelines, targeting approximately 30–49% LDL reduction.

Question 5

A patient with Helicobacter pylori-positive peptic ulcer disease is prescribed triple therapy. Which combination is standard first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Omeprazole + clarithromycin + amoxicillin

Answer

Standard clarithromycin-based triple therapy consists of a PPI plus clarithromycin and amoxicillin for 10–14 days to eradicate H. pylori.

Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharmacy Therapeutics 4