SGNA Medications and Pharmacology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by which mechanism?
- Irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in parietal cells (Correct answer)
- Blocking histamine H2 receptors
- Neutralizing gastric acid directly
- Stimulating prostaglandin production
Correct answer: Irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in parietal cells
PPIs irreversibly bind and inhibit the proton pump (H+/K+-ATPase) in gastric parietal cells, providing long-lasting suppression of acid secretion.
Question 2: Metoclopramide is primarily used in GI patients for which indication?
- Gastroparesis and nausea (Correct answer)
- Constipation
- Peptic ulcer treatment
- C. difficile infection
Correct answer: Gastroparesis and nausea
Metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist that enhances gastric motility and acts as an antiemetic, used for gastroparesis, GERD, and procedure-related nausea.
Question 3: Which class of medications is contraindicated in patients with active GI bleeding due to increased bleeding risk?
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) (Correct answer)
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antispasmodics
- Antiemetics
Correct answer: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs impair clotting mechanisms, significantly increasing risk of continued or worsening GI hemorrhage.
Question 4: Glucagon is sometimes administered during upper GI endoscopy for which purpose?
- Relax smooth muscle to reduce spasm and improve visualization (Correct answer)
- Increase gastric motility
- Treat hypoglycemia
- Stimulate gastric acid secretion
Correct answer: Relax smooth muscle to reduce spasm and improve visualization
Glucagon relaxes GI smooth muscle (antispasmodic effect), reducing peristalsis and spasm to improve endoscopic visualization, particularly in the duodenum.
Question 5: Which laxative class works by increasing intraluminal osmotic pressure to draw water into the bowel?
- Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lactulose) (Correct answer)
- Stimulant laxatives
- Bulk-forming laxatives
- Lubricant laxatives
Correct answer: Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lactulose)
Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) and lactulose draw water into the intestinal lumen through osmosis, softening stool and promoting bowel movements.
Question 6: Mesalamine (5-ASA) is used primarily for treatment of which GI condition?
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) (Correct answer)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Peptic ulcer disease
- GERD
Correct answer: Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)
Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid compound used to induce and maintain remission in mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease.
SGNA Medications and Pharmacology 1
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by which mechanism?