PTCE Drug Classifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drug class works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
- ARBs
- ACE inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Direct renin inhibitors
- Aldosterone antagonists
Correct answer: ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing the formation of angiotensin II from angiotensin I.
Question 2: A medication labeled as a 'first-generation antihistamine' would be expected to cause which side effect not seen with second-generation agents?
- Urinary retention
- Sedation (Correct answer)
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Correct answer: Sedation
First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) cross the blood-brain barrier causing sedation, unlike second-generation agents like loratadine.
Question 3: Which class of drugs is used as mood stabilizers and requires monitoring of serum drug levels due to a narrow therapeutic index?
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Lithium salts (Correct answer)
- Benzodiazepines
Correct answer: Lithium salts
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) requiring regular serum level monitoring to avoid toxicity.
Question 4: Fluoroquinolones exert their antibacterial effect by inhibiting which bacterial enzyme?
- RNA polymerase
- Dihydrofolate reductase
- DNA gyrase/topoisomerase II (Correct answer)
- Transpeptidase
Correct answer: DNA gyrase/topoisomerase II
Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication.
Question 5: Which drug class is used to prevent rejection after organ transplantation by suppressing T-cell activation?
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Calcineurin inhibitors (Correct answer)
- mTOR inhibitors
- Corticosteroids
Correct answer: Calcineurin inhibitors
Calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) block calcineurin, preventing IL-2 production and T-cell activation.
Question 6: A patient taking a statin develops muscle pain and dark urine. This adverse effect is most consistent with which condition?
- Hepatotoxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Rhabdomyolysis (Correct answer)
- Nephrotoxicity
Correct answer: Rhabdomyolysis
Statins can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), releasing myoglobin that causes dark urine and can lead to acute kidney injury.
Question 7: Which Schedule II controlled substance classification indicates the drug has which characteristic?
- Low abuse potential with accepted medical use
- High abuse potential with accepted medical use (Correct answer)
- High abuse potential with no accepted medical use
- Moderate abuse potential with limited accepted use
Correct answer: High abuse potential with accepted medical use
Schedule II drugs have high abuse potential and may lead to severe dependence but have accepted medical uses (e.g., oxycodone, amphetamines).
PTCE Drug Classifications 3
Which drug class works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II?