Pharmacology Care of the Fundamentals Exam |
Questions and Verified Answers (2025/2026 Update)-
Chamberlain
When is it used - ASCVD Risk Score - ANSWER-In children a
screening should be done between ages 9 and 11 and then again at ages
19 and 21. For adults every 5 years after the age of 20. Some people are
at greater risk like those with diabetes and a risk score greater than 7.5%
and should be screened more often
ezetimibe- when can it be used? - ANSWER-pregnancy/breastfeeding
can be use in monotherapy or as adjunct therapy with a statin or a fibrate
What is ezetimibe? - ANSWER-Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor-
lowers cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol that is
absorbed from the small intestine, so that there is less intestinal
cholesterol delivered to the liver. Does not affect triglycerides
lifestyle changes for high cholesterol - ANSWER-Lifestyle changes are
non drug measures used to lower LDL. Four main issues are diet,
exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation
If a patient wanted to minimize side effects, which drug classification is
a good choice? - ANSWER-Non-statins- fibrates, Ezetimibe, Bile acid
sequestrants. Statins are generally well tolerated and side effects are
uncommon. Some patients develop headache, flatulence, constipation, or
,GI disturbances, but these effects are usually mild and transient
,Therapeutic action of organic nitrates (nitroglycerin) - ANSWER-direct
relaxant effect on vascular smooth muscles, and the dilation of coronary
vessels improves oxygen supply to the myocardium. The dilation of
peripheral veins, and in higher doses peripheral arteries, reduces preload
and afterload, and thereby lowers myocardial oxygen consumption.
promote vasodilation
Contraindications for ranolazine - ANSWER-Agents that inhibit
CYP3A4 can increase the levels of ranolazine and thereby increase the
risk of torsades de pointes. These things include: grapefruit juice, HIV
protease inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungal drugs, and
some CCB. Most CCB but not amlodipine can increase levels of
ranolazine. Drugs that prolong the QT interval can increase the risk of
torsades de pointes. (quinidine, sotalol).
At what age can statins be prescribed? - ANSWER-avoid statin use in
children under the age of 10
CCB role with variant angina - ANSWER-promote relaxation of
coronary artery spasm, increasing cardiac oxygen supply
what medication can be added for patients with worsening symptoms of
HF? - ANSWER-aldosterone antagonist- promotes myocardial
remodeling and fibrosis, help with symptoms
, CCB stable angina - ANSWER-promote relaxation of peripheral
arterioles, decreasing afterload and reducing cardiac oxygen demand
A 41 year old patient comes into the clinic complaining of increased
heart rate after starting nitro patches for stable angina. What would an
appropriate response be?
1. lets lower the dose and frequency of use
2. I will prescribe a BB to help with this
3. Next time this happens, lie down and practice deep breathing, this will
bring your heart rate down - ANSWER-2- I will prescribe a BB to help
with this
What do CYP450 inhibitors and reducers do when not used
correctly/what would patient experience? - ANSWER-increased side
effects, adverse reactions and toxicity
A 55 year old male comes into the clinic with a gouty arthritis. He states
that he has one flareup a year. Your response is:
1. I will prescribe you glucocorticoids to help with inflammation
2. Lets start you on prophylactic therapy colchicine.
3. It will be helpful to take an NSAID to start with to help relive some
inflammation. I'll prescribe naproxen. - ANSWER-3- in patients with