Quiz 7: Antifungal Therapeutics (Systemic & Cutaneous) Advanced Pharmacology NP
Board Exam Preparation • 10 Practice Questions & Rationales
1. What is the mechanism of action of Amphotericin B?
A. Inhibition of beta-(1,3)-D-glucan cell wall synthesis
B. Binding ergosterol in fungal membranes to form lethal membrane pores
C. Inhibition of 14-alpha-demethylase
D. Disruption of fungal mitotic spindles
Correct Answer: B — Amphotericin B binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, forming pores that disrupt membrane
permeability and cause cell death.
2. Which intervention reduces the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with IV Amphotericin B deoxycholate?
A. Co-administration of Probenecid
B. Pre-infusion IV bolus of Normal Saline (500–1000 mL)
C. Administering the drug via rapid IV push
D. Restricting systemic fluid intake
Correct Answer: B — Sodium loading with 500–1000 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline prior to Amphotericin B infusion reduces renal
vasoconstriction and nephrotoxicity.
3. What is the mechanism of action of Azole antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole, Voriconazole)?
A. Binding fungal cell wall chitin
B. Inhibiting fungal CYP450 enzyme 14-alpha-demethylase to block ergosterol synthesis
C. Cleaving fungal DNA double strands
D. Inhibiting squalene epoxidase
Correct Answer: B — Azoles inhibit 14-alpha-demethylase (a fungal CYP enzyme), preventing conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol,
disrupting membrane function.
4. Which Azole antifungal is the Drug of Choice for Invasive Aspergillosis?
A. Fluconazole
B. Itraconazole
C. Voriconazole
D. Ketoconazole
Correct Answer: C — Voriconazole has replaced Amphotericin B as the primary drug of choice for invasive Aspergillosis.
NP Advanced Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions Page 1 of 3
Board Exam Preparation • 10 Practice Questions & Rationales
1. What is the mechanism of action of Amphotericin B?
A. Inhibition of beta-(1,3)-D-glucan cell wall synthesis
B. Binding ergosterol in fungal membranes to form lethal membrane pores
C. Inhibition of 14-alpha-demethylase
D. Disruption of fungal mitotic spindles
Correct Answer: B — Amphotericin B binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, forming pores that disrupt membrane
permeability and cause cell death.
2. Which intervention reduces the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with IV Amphotericin B deoxycholate?
A. Co-administration of Probenecid
B. Pre-infusion IV bolus of Normal Saline (500–1000 mL)
C. Administering the drug via rapid IV push
D. Restricting systemic fluid intake
Correct Answer: B — Sodium loading with 500–1000 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline prior to Amphotericin B infusion reduces renal
vasoconstriction and nephrotoxicity.
3. What is the mechanism of action of Azole antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole, Voriconazole)?
A. Binding fungal cell wall chitin
B. Inhibiting fungal CYP450 enzyme 14-alpha-demethylase to block ergosterol synthesis
C. Cleaving fungal DNA double strands
D. Inhibiting squalene epoxidase
Correct Answer: B — Azoles inhibit 14-alpha-demethylase (a fungal CYP enzyme), preventing conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol,
disrupting membrane function.
4. Which Azole antifungal is the Drug of Choice for Invasive Aspergillosis?
A. Fluconazole
B. Itraconazole
C. Voriconazole
D. Ketoconazole
Correct Answer: C — Voriconazole has replaced Amphotericin B as the primary drug of choice for invasive Aspergillosis.
NP Advanced Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions Page 1 of 3