SGNA Medications and Pharmacology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary mechanism of action of bisacodyl (Dulcolax)?
- Stimulates intestinal peristalsis and increases fluid secretion (Correct answer)
- Draws water into the colon osmotically
- Adds bulk to stool
- Lubricates the colon
Correct answer: Stimulates intestinal peristalsis and increases fluid secretion
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that directly stimulates colonic smooth muscle and nerve endings, increasing peristalsis and promoting bowel movements.
Question 2: A patient is on warfarin therapy and needs an elective colonoscopy with polypectomy. What is the standard management approach?
- Temporarily hold warfarin per provider guidance and monitor INR (Correct answer)
- Continue warfarin without interruption
- Switch to aspirin immediately
- Cancel the procedure indefinitely
Correct answer: Temporarily hold warfarin per provider guidance and monitor INR
Warfarin is typically held 5 days before high-bleed-risk procedures like polypectomy, with INR checked pre-procedure and bridge therapy considered based on thromboembolic risk.
Question 3: Which medication is used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection as part of standard triple therapy?
- Clarithromycin + amoxicillin + proton pump inhibitor (Correct answer)
- Metronidazole alone
- Ciprofloxacin + PPI
- Vancomycin + PPI
Correct answer: Clarithromycin + amoxicillin + proton pump inhibitor
Standard first-line H. pylori triple therapy combines clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and a PPI for 10–14 days to eradicate the organism causing peptic ulcer disease.
Question 4: Dicyclomine (Bentyl) is an antispasmodic used in GI patients. What is its drug class?
- Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) (Correct answer)
- Beta-blocker
- Alpha-agonist
- Calcium channel blocker
Correct answer: Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic)
Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic agent that blocks muscarinic receptors, reducing smooth muscle spasm in the GI tract and treating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Question 5: Simethicone is administered before upper endoscopy for which reason?
- Reduce gas bubbles to improve mucosal visualization (Correct answer)
- Prevent nausea
- Decrease gastric acid
- Sedate the patient
Correct answer: Reduce gas bubbles to improve mucosal visualization
Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that coalesces gas bubbles in the GI tract, clearing the visual field during endoscopy for better mucosal inspection.
Question 6: What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose, which can cause acute liver failure?
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (Correct answer)
- Flumazenil
- Naloxone
- Vitamin K
Correct answer: N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores to detoxify the reactive metabolite NAPQI responsible for acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.
SGNA Medications and Pharmacology 2
What is the primary mechanism of action of bisacodyl (Dulcolax)?