PTCB Pharmacology for Technicians 3

Question 1

Which antibiotic class should be avoided in children under 8 years old due to tooth discoloration?

Accepted Answer

Tetracyclines

Answer

Tetracyclines bind to calcium in developing teeth and bone, causing permanent yellow-brown discoloration in children under 8.

Question 2

What is the clinical significance of a drug having a 'narrow therapeutic index'?

Accepted Answer

Small changes in dose can lead to toxicity or therapeutic failure

Answer

Narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs require careful monitoring because the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small.

Question 3

Which drug is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse benzodiazepine-induced sedation or overdose.

Question 4

Patients taking MAOIs should avoid which food substance due to the risk of hypertensive crisis?

Accepted Answer

Tyramine

Answer

MAOIs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down tyramine; consuming tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats) can cause a dangerous hypertensive crisis.

Question 5

What is the primary adverse effect that limits the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity

Answer

Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin) carry significant risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and ototoxicity (hearing loss), requiring level monitoring.

PTCB - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Test

PTCB - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Test

PTCB Pharmacology for Technicians 3