SNLE Pharmacology 4

Question 1

A patient is prescribed phenytoin for seizure control. Which adverse effect is specific to this drug?

Accepted Answer

Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth)

Answer

Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth) is a characteristic adverse effect of phenytoin, occurring in up to 50% of patients. Good oral hygiene reduces severity. Other phenytoin adverse effects include nystagmus, ataxia, diplopia, and teratogenicity (fetal hydantoin syndrome).

Question 2

Which antibiotics are absolutely contraindicated in children under 8 years?

Accepted Answer

Tetracyclines

Answer

Tetracyclines bind to calcium in developing bones and teeth, causing permanent dental staining (brown-grey discoloration) and impaired bone growth when given to children under 8 years or during pregnancy. They are absolutely contraindicated in these populations.

Question 3

What does 'half-life' mean in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%

Answer

Half-life (t½) is the time required for drug plasma concentration to fall by 50%. It determines dosing frequency (steady state reached at ~5 half-lives, drug essentially eliminated in ~5 half-lives). Drugs with long half-lives require less frequent dosing.

Question 4

A nurse prepares to administer insulin. Which type of insulin is clear in appearance?

Accepted Answer

Regular (soluble) insulin and insulin analogues (lispro, aspart, glargine)

Answer

Regular (soluble) insulin and most insulin analogues (lispro, aspart, glargine, detemir) are clear solutions. NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin appears cloudy/turbid due to the protamine suspension. Premixed insulins (70% NPH/30% regular) are cloudy.

Question 5

What is the primary concern when administering IV aminophylline?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias and seizures from rapid administration

Answer

Aminophylline (theophylline) has a narrow therapeutic index. Rapid IV administration can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias (tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias) and seizures due to CNS stimulation. It must be given as a slow infusion with cardiac monitoring and serum level monitoring.

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Pharmacology 4