Pharmacology Study Guide| 1312 questions
with complete solutions
According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) COPD
guidelines, identify the medication that is indicated for use in all COPD stages. correct answer:
Short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist
Identify the ectoparasite that is known to cause disease in humans. correct answer: Scabies
(sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis)
68-year-old James is receiving treatment with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for his recently
diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Determine the mechanism of action of this class of drugs.
correct answer: Select mAbs can affect both T cells and B cells
Determine which of the following dietary supplements is associated with increased risk for gout.
correct answer: Brewer's yeast
Determine the best description of the mechanism of action for serotonin norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor medications (SNRIs). correct answer: Are dual action agents with effect on both
serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
What are the monitoring requirements when prescribing valproic acid? correct answer:
Complete blood count with differential at baseline
Determine the accurate statement regarding the treatment of COPD. correct answer:
Combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonist shows improvement in
clinical outcome
Identify the true statement regarding treatment with Levodopa. correct answer: Levodopa is
effective in treating bradykinetic symptoms
Frank comes into the clinic to be evaluated for insomnia. He shares that he served in two tours of
duty with the army in Afghanistan. Recommend a therapeutic agent that you will prescribe for
Frank. correct answer: Mirtazapine
Which drug is considered an echinocandin? correct answer: Anidulafungin
75-year-old Katie has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been on warfarin therapy for
approximately 15 years. Over the weekend, she was diagnosed in the local urgent care clinic
with an upper respiratory infection and treated with biaxin and tussionex. She comes to your
office today for a follow up. Recommend items for your discussion with Katie regarding her
treatment. correct answer: She may need to adjust her warfarin dose because antibiotics may
significantly increase the PT/INR levels associated with life-threatening bleeding.
,Your 72-year-old patient has been on anti-psychotic medications. You are well aware that the
use of these medications in the elderly population presents certain risks. Identify the risk. correct
answer: Stroke and cardiovascular events
You receive a call from a pharmacy for clarification regarding a controlled substance that was
recently prescribed by one of your colleagues. The prescription is for your colleague's spouse
who is not a patient of the practice. Judge what this exemplifies. correct answer: This is an
unethical action on the part of the prescriber for which there may be legal ramifications against
the prescriber's license.
Identify an example of safe prescribing practice. correct answer: Medication reconciliation upon
transition of care
Conclude why it is more likely that a patient having an adverse reaction to an administered dose
of valium is experiencing side effects of the drug rather than an allergic reaction. correct answer:
The medication's action is dose dependent, which can potentially exacerbate its side effects.
Determine the true statement regarding antibacterial agents. correct answer: Aminoglycosides
are commonly used for gram-negative infection
Jane is a 46-year-old female who presents in the clinic with complaints of episodic abdominal
pain, a low-grade fever, and diarrhea for almost two weeks. She reports to you that she was on a
Mediterranean cruise when she developed pain in the left lower quadrant of her abdomen. She
confessed she was afraid to see the ship's doctor about this and waited hoping the symptoms
would subside by the time she got home from the cruise. She said, "Honestly, I thought it was
some random bug that would just go away." On examination, you find that Jane is dehydrated
and has a fever of 102.6 F. Her blood pressure (BP) is 106/58, pulse is 88, and respiratory rate is
22. She has hyperactive bowel sounds and some tenderness throughout the abdomen. You
perform a rectal exam, which is negative for occult blood. Determine next steps. correct answer:
Routine bloodwork, stool tests and supportive treatment with a follow-up appointment
You are examining a 9-year-old boy with symptoms of itching, watering, and redness of the right
eye for the last 36 hours. He also complains of purulent discharge for the last 24 hours.
According to the patient's mom, her neighbor's kids have conjunctivitis and the boy was playing
with them the day before symptom occurrence. Propose information that is vital to consider
regarding the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. correct answer: Monotherapy is ineffective in
treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis
Determine the anti-epileptic medication of which providers need to have a working knowledge
due to its enhanced metabolism effect if co-administered with other drugs such as anti-
depressants or warfarin. correct answer: Phenytoin
When prescribing griseofulvin, it's important to education the patient about what? correct
answer: Nausea and diarrhea are common side effects.
Determine what immunologics are used to treat. correct answer: Cancer
,A 38-year-old male with no apparent past medical history except family history of premature
coronary artery disease is presenting with complaints of palpitation. His BP appears to be
elevated consistently above 140/90 in last three clinic visits three months apart. Holter monitor
showed occurrence of paroxysmal runs of PACs. You started patient on a beta-blocker. 4 days
later, you receive a phone call from the patient that he doesn't want to take it as he feels tired and
is worried about suppression of libido. Recommend an appropriate response. correct answer:
Risk and benefit scenario favors continuing the drug and symptoms get better in 2 weeks
Identify the glucocorticoid hormone. correct answer: Cortisol
When prescribing a specific therapeutic agent, identify the patient you would not consider a
candidate for modified or alternate treatment strategy because of the risk of adverse drug
reactions. correct answer: A 72-year-old female with anti-HBs positive for hepatitis
A 32-year-old high school football coach comes to the clinic insisting that he needs a Z-Pak. He
reports that he has had a stuffy nose and pressure over his eyes and forehead. After you examine
him, you determine that he has acute sinusitis. You explain to the patient that most cases of acute
sinusitis can be treated without the use of antibiotics. You recommend a humidifier, saline nasal
spray or washes, and plenty of fluids along with over-the-counter pain relievers, as needed.
Determine which core element of antibiotic stewardship your recommendation demonstrates.
correct answer: Education and expertise as evidenced by educating patients on when antibiotic
therapy is warranted
Determine what area of the body produces glucocorticoids. correct answer: The adrenal cortex
A 42-year-old male patient is presenting to the clinic to discuss his international travel plan; he
plans to visit the African region where malaria is common. Patient is requesting prophylactic
treatment for malaria. Recommend important information about chloroquine for malaria
prophylaxis. correct answer: When taken with dosage recommendation, it is very safe
Identify the body's neurotransmitter on which anti-anxiety agents primarily work. correct
answer: Serotonin
You have recently evaluated a patient with a history of back pain. Among your recommendations
for this patient are referral to physical therapy and a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory medication. Identify the directions that are appropriately written for the
prescription. correct answer: Take 1-2 tablets by mouth every 6 hours for pain as needed
Identify the medication that should be considered as an alternative when prescribing an 84-year-
old male who is frail and lives alone. correct answer: Doxazosin for prostate enlargement
Determine the mechanism of action that researchers have synthetically developed to decrease
pain and swelling in joints. correct answer: Inhibit lymphocyte proliferation
, Identify the true statement regarding oral Iron treatment. correct answer: Alternate day dosing of
oral iron increased absorption and reduces side effects
Determine the statement that accurately describes the effect of fluoroquinolones. correct answer:
Tendinitis and tendon rupture are potential complication
A 32-year-old female with newly diagnosed asthma is presenting to your clinic for a follow-up
visit. The patient was seen previously at the clinic by another provider who prescribed
fluticasone HFA daily and albuterol inhaler, as needed. The patient is complaining that her
symptoms have not changed with the prescribed treatment. Recommend the next step of
medicine that can be added for management of this patient. correct answer: Stop fluticasone and
start budesonide/formoterol
A 45-year-old woman presents with a complaint of chronic pelvic pain and frequent urination.
She states she is constantly feeling pressure, but when she does void, it is in very small amounts.
She is tired because, according to her, "this happens all day and all night." She is otherwise
healthy, but reports having a sulfa allergy. Recommend an appropriate therapy. correct answer:
Nitrofurantoin
When treating a patient who is traveling to an area of the world endemic to malaria, identify the
medication that should be prescribed for proper chemoprophylaxis. correct answer: Chloroquine
Phosphate 300mg once a week 1-2 weeks prior to departure and up to 4 weeks after returning
home
54-year-old Richard is complaining of acute episodic chest pain with significant exertion. His
current medications include a daily beta-blocker and clopidogrel. Recommend medications to be
taken at the beginning of angina symptoms. correct answer: A dose of nitroglycerin via oral
spray
Recommend the antibiotic that is widely accepted as the first-line treatment for conditions such
as cellulitis and erysipelas. correct answer: Beta-lactam antibiotics
Identify two of the most common mycobacterial diseases known to humans. correct answer:
Tuberculosis and leprosy
A 34-year-old female patient is a mother of three children; she has multiple sexual partners. The
patient is presenting to the clinic for establishing care. During the course of her visit, you inquire
about the patient's vaccination history. Propose information that is not included in your
discussion about the hepatitis B vaccination. correct answer: Hepatitis B vaccine is
contraindicated in adults with HIV.
Identify the definition that best describes an antibiogram. correct answer: A collection of data
about microbial susceptibility in hospital, long-term care, or outpatient facilities
with complete solutions
According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) COPD
guidelines, identify the medication that is indicated for use in all COPD stages. correct answer:
Short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist
Identify the ectoparasite that is known to cause disease in humans. correct answer: Scabies
(sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis)
68-year-old James is receiving treatment with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for his recently
diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Determine the mechanism of action of this class of drugs.
correct answer: Select mAbs can affect both T cells and B cells
Determine which of the following dietary supplements is associated with increased risk for gout.
correct answer: Brewer's yeast
Determine the best description of the mechanism of action for serotonin norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor medications (SNRIs). correct answer: Are dual action agents with effect on both
serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
What are the monitoring requirements when prescribing valproic acid? correct answer:
Complete blood count with differential at baseline
Determine the accurate statement regarding the treatment of COPD. correct answer:
Combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonist shows improvement in
clinical outcome
Identify the true statement regarding treatment with Levodopa. correct answer: Levodopa is
effective in treating bradykinetic symptoms
Frank comes into the clinic to be evaluated for insomnia. He shares that he served in two tours of
duty with the army in Afghanistan. Recommend a therapeutic agent that you will prescribe for
Frank. correct answer: Mirtazapine
Which drug is considered an echinocandin? correct answer: Anidulafungin
75-year-old Katie has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been on warfarin therapy for
approximately 15 years. Over the weekend, she was diagnosed in the local urgent care clinic
with an upper respiratory infection and treated with biaxin and tussionex. She comes to your
office today for a follow up. Recommend items for your discussion with Katie regarding her
treatment. correct answer: She may need to adjust her warfarin dose because antibiotics may
significantly increase the PT/INR levels associated with life-threatening bleeding.
,Your 72-year-old patient has been on anti-psychotic medications. You are well aware that the
use of these medications in the elderly population presents certain risks. Identify the risk. correct
answer: Stroke and cardiovascular events
You receive a call from a pharmacy for clarification regarding a controlled substance that was
recently prescribed by one of your colleagues. The prescription is for your colleague's spouse
who is not a patient of the practice. Judge what this exemplifies. correct answer: This is an
unethical action on the part of the prescriber for which there may be legal ramifications against
the prescriber's license.
Identify an example of safe prescribing practice. correct answer: Medication reconciliation upon
transition of care
Conclude why it is more likely that a patient having an adverse reaction to an administered dose
of valium is experiencing side effects of the drug rather than an allergic reaction. correct answer:
The medication's action is dose dependent, which can potentially exacerbate its side effects.
Determine the true statement regarding antibacterial agents. correct answer: Aminoglycosides
are commonly used for gram-negative infection
Jane is a 46-year-old female who presents in the clinic with complaints of episodic abdominal
pain, a low-grade fever, and diarrhea for almost two weeks. She reports to you that she was on a
Mediterranean cruise when she developed pain in the left lower quadrant of her abdomen. She
confessed she was afraid to see the ship's doctor about this and waited hoping the symptoms
would subside by the time she got home from the cruise. She said, "Honestly, I thought it was
some random bug that would just go away." On examination, you find that Jane is dehydrated
and has a fever of 102.6 F. Her blood pressure (BP) is 106/58, pulse is 88, and respiratory rate is
22. She has hyperactive bowel sounds and some tenderness throughout the abdomen. You
perform a rectal exam, which is negative for occult blood. Determine next steps. correct answer:
Routine bloodwork, stool tests and supportive treatment with a follow-up appointment
You are examining a 9-year-old boy with symptoms of itching, watering, and redness of the right
eye for the last 36 hours. He also complains of purulent discharge for the last 24 hours.
According to the patient's mom, her neighbor's kids have conjunctivitis and the boy was playing
with them the day before symptom occurrence. Propose information that is vital to consider
regarding the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. correct answer: Monotherapy is ineffective in
treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis
Determine the anti-epileptic medication of which providers need to have a working knowledge
due to its enhanced metabolism effect if co-administered with other drugs such as anti-
depressants or warfarin. correct answer: Phenytoin
When prescribing griseofulvin, it's important to education the patient about what? correct
answer: Nausea and diarrhea are common side effects.
Determine what immunologics are used to treat. correct answer: Cancer
,A 38-year-old male with no apparent past medical history except family history of premature
coronary artery disease is presenting with complaints of palpitation. His BP appears to be
elevated consistently above 140/90 in last three clinic visits three months apart. Holter monitor
showed occurrence of paroxysmal runs of PACs. You started patient on a beta-blocker. 4 days
later, you receive a phone call from the patient that he doesn't want to take it as he feels tired and
is worried about suppression of libido. Recommend an appropriate response. correct answer:
Risk and benefit scenario favors continuing the drug and symptoms get better in 2 weeks
Identify the glucocorticoid hormone. correct answer: Cortisol
When prescribing a specific therapeutic agent, identify the patient you would not consider a
candidate for modified or alternate treatment strategy because of the risk of adverse drug
reactions. correct answer: A 72-year-old female with anti-HBs positive for hepatitis
A 32-year-old high school football coach comes to the clinic insisting that he needs a Z-Pak. He
reports that he has had a stuffy nose and pressure over his eyes and forehead. After you examine
him, you determine that he has acute sinusitis. You explain to the patient that most cases of acute
sinusitis can be treated without the use of antibiotics. You recommend a humidifier, saline nasal
spray or washes, and plenty of fluids along with over-the-counter pain relievers, as needed.
Determine which core element of antibiotic stewardship your recommendation demonstrates.
correct answer: Education and expertise as evidenced by educating patients on when antibiotic
therapy is warranted
Determine what area of the body produces glucocorticoids. correct answer: The adrenal cortex
A 42-year-old male patient is presenting to the clinic to discuss his international travel plan; he
plans to visit the African region where malaria is common. Patient is requesting prophylactic
treatment for malaria. Recommend important information about chloroquine for malaria
prophylaxis. correct answer: When taken with dosage recommendation, it is very safe
Identify the body's neurotransmitter on which anti-anxiety agents primarily work. correct
answer: Serotonin
You have recently evaluated a patient with a history of back pain. Among your recommendations
for this patient are referral to physical therapy and a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory medication. Identify the directions that are appropriately written for the
prescription. correct answer: Take 1-2 tablets by mouth every 6 hours for pain as needed
Identify the medication that should be considered as an alternative when prescribing an 84-year-
old male who is frail and lives alone. correct answer: Doxazosin for prostate enlargement
Determine the mechanism of action that researchers have synthetically developed to decrease
pain and swelling in joints. correct answer: Inhibit lymphocyte proliferation
, Identify the true statement regarding oral Iron treatment. correct answer: Alternate day dosing of
oral iron increased absorption and reduces side effects
Determine the statement that accurately describes the effect of fluoroquinolones. correct answer:
Tendinitis and tendon rupture are potential complication
A 32-year-old female with newly diagnosed asthma is presenting to your clinic for a follow-up
visit. The patient was seen previously at the clinic by another provider who prescribed
fluticasone HFA daily and albuterol inhaler, as needed. The patient is complaining that her
symptoms have not changed with the prescribed treatment. Recommend the next step of
medicine that can be added for management of this patient. correct answer: Stop fluticasone and
start budesonide/formoterol
A 45-year-old woman presents with a complaint of chronic pelvic pain and frequent urination.
She states she is constantly feeling pressure, but when she does void, it is in very small amounts.
She is tired because, according to her, "this happens all day and all night." She is otherwise
healthy, but reports having a sulfa allergy. Recommend an appropriate therapy. correct answer:
Nitrofurantoin
When treating a patient who is traveling to an area of the world endemic to malaria, identify the
medication that should be prescribed for proper chemoprophylaxis. correct answer: Chloroquine
Phosphate 300mg once a week 1-2 weeks prior to departure and up to 4 weeks after returning
home
54-year-old Richard is complaining of acute episodic chest pain with significant exertion. His
current medications include a daily beta-blocker and clopidogrel. Recommend medications to be
taken at the beginning of angina symptoms. correct answer: A dose of nitroglycerin via oral
spray
Recommend the antibiotic that is widely accepted as the first-line treatment for conditions such
as cellulitis and erysipelas. correct answer: Beta-lactam antibiotics
Identify two of the most common mycobacterial diseases known to humans. correct answer:
Tuberculosis and leprosy
A 34-year-old female patient is a mother of three children; she has multiple sexual partners. The
patient is presenting to the clinic for establishing care. During the course of her visit, you inquire
about the patient's vaccination history. Propose information that is not included in your
discussion about the hepatitis B vaccination. correct answer: Hepatitis B vaccine is
contraindicated in adults with HIV.
Identify the definition that best describes an antibiogram. correct answer: A collection of data
about microbial susceptibility in hospital, long-term care, or outpatient facilities
