Pharmacology & Therapeutics Flashcards
6 cards from real PSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacology & Therapeutics flashcards as text
Which vaccine type contains live attenuated pathogen?
Answer: MMR vaccine
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) is a live attenuated vaccine. Live vaccines are generally contraindicated in immunocompromised patients as the attenuated pathogen may cause disease.
Which drug is used as prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV patients?
Answer: Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
Co-trimoxazole is first-line PCP prophylaxis in HIV patients with CD4 count <200 cells/μL. It inhibits folate synthesis in the fungus, preventing pneumocystis pneumonia.
Clozapine requires regular blood monitoring because it can cause:
Answer: Agranulocytosis
Clozapine can cause potentially fatal agranulocytosis (severe reduction in white cells). Mandatory weekly blood count monitoring for the first 18 weeks is required, then every 4 weeks.
Which drug is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis?
Answer: Raloxifene
Raloxifene acts as an oestrogen agonist in bone (maintaining bone density) but as an antagonist in breast and uterine tissue. It is used for osteoporosis and has added benefit of reducing breast cancer risk.
The target INR range for a patient with a mechanical heart valve on warfarin therapy is typically:
Answer: 2.5–3.5
Mechanical heart valves require a higher target INR (2.5–3.5, or 3.0–4.0 for high-risk valves) compared to AF (2.0–3.0) due to greater thrombogenicity of the prosthetic material.
Which anti-asthma drug is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)?
Answer: Tiotropium
Tiotropium blocks muscarinic M3 receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation. It is a LAMA used for COPD and add-on therapy in uncontrolled asthma.