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Question 1
Correct
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A 65-year-old female presents to the Emergency Department with complaints of chest pain pointing to angina. A dose of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) was administered, rapidly resolving her symptoms. Unfortunately, she develops a side-effect of the drug.Which one of the following is the side effect she is most likely to have developed?
Your Answer: Flushing
Explanation:Angina pectoris is the most common symptom of ischemic heart disease and presents with chest pain relieved by rest and nitro-glycerine. Nitrates are the first-line treatment to relieve chest pain caused by angina. The commonly used nitrates are: 1. Glyceryl trinitrate 2. Isosorbide dinitrate Side effects to nitrate therapy are common especially The most common side effects are:1. Headaches2. Feeling dizzy, weak, or tired3. Nausea4. Flushing The serious but less likely to occur side effects are:1. Methemoglobinemia (rare)2. Syncope3. Prolonged bleeding time4. Exfoliative dermatitis5. Unstable angina6. Rebound hypertension7. ThrombocytopeniaDry eyes, bradycardia, and metabolic acidosis have not been reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 5-year-old girl is brought into the Paediatric ER for acute seizures. She has been convulsing for the past 18 minutes now and was already two doses of lorazepam in the ambulance. Now, you prepare a phenytoin infusion to abolish the seizures. According to the APLS algorithm, what dose of phenytoin is advised for a convulsing child at this stage?
Your Answer: 10 mg/kg over 20 minutes
Correct Answer: 20 mg/kg over 20 minutes
Explanation:Advanced paediatric life support (APLS) recommends phenytoin as the first choice for second-line anticonvulsant in a patient that continues to seize ten minutes after the second dose of the first-line anticonvulsant (benzodiazepine). (step 3 of the APLS algorithm)The recommended dose of phenytoin infusion is up at 20 mg/kg over 20 minutes. If the patient has already taken phenytoin as maintenance therapy or is allergic to phenytoin, then a phenobarbitone infusion should be set up at 20 mg/kg over 30-60 minutes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 3
Correct
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A 66-year-old female who is a known case of atrial fibrillation comes to the Emergency Department with the complaint of fever and vomiting for the past two days. When her medical chart is reviewed, you see that she takes Warfarin for her arrhythmia. Which ONE of the following medications cannot be prescribed to this patient?
Your Answer: Ibuprofen
Explanation:Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Ibuprofen cannot be given with Warfarin as it would increase the bleeding risk of this patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 4
Correct
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All of the following cause bronchodilation, EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Stimulation of irritant receptors
Explanation:Factors causing bronchodilation: Via beta2-adrenoceptorsSympathetic stimulation: Adrenaline (epinephrine)Beta2-adrenergic agonists e.g. salbutamolAnticholinergic and muscarinic antagonists e.g. ipratropium
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 5
Incorrect
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Your consultant decides to use ketamine for a patient requiring procedural sedation in the Emergency Department. At what receptor does ketamine primarily act:
Your Answer: GABA receptor
Correct Answer: NMDA receptor
Explanation:In contrast to most other anaesthetic agents, ketamine is a NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist. It is a non-competitive antagonist of the calcium-ion channel in the NMDA receptor. It further inhibits the NMDA-receptor by binding to its phencyclidine binding site. Ketamine also acts at other receptors as an opioid receptor agonist (analgesic effects), as an muscarinic anticholinergic receptor antagonist (antimuscarinic effects) and by blocking fast sodium channels (local anaesthetic effect).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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An elderly female with a diagnosed psychiatric illness was prescribed prochlorperazine for her complaints of dizziness and nausea. Two days later, she returned to the clinic with no improvement in the symptoms. Which one of the following is the mechanism of action of prochlorperazine?
Your Answer: 5-HT 3 receptor antagonism
Correct Answer: Dopamine receptor antagonism
Explanation:Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine drug as it is categorized as a first-generation antipsychotic. It mainly blocks the D2 (dopamine 2) receptors in the brain. Along with dopamine, it also blocks histaminergic, cholinergic, and noradrenergic receptors.It exerts its antiemetic effect via dopamine (D2) receptor antagonist. It is used to treat nausea and vomiting of various causes, including labyrinthine disorders.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A patient allergic to penicillin and with marked cellulitis presents and you decide to start him on erythromycin.Which statement about macrolide antibiotics is true?
Your Answer: They act by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome
Correct Answer: They are actively concentrated within leukocytes
Explanation:Macrolide antibiotics are bacteriostatic. They act by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome inhibit protein synthesis. Macrolide antibiotics are actively concentrated within leukocytes, because of this, they are transported into the site of infection.Macrolide antibiotics are not effective in meningitis as they do not penetrate the central nervous system well. They are mainly against Gram-positive organisms and can be used as an alternative in patients with penicillin allergy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Regarding ciprofloxacin, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Ciprofloxacin is particularly active against Gram-negative bacteria.
Correct Answer: Ciprofloxacin decreases plasma concentrations of theophylline.
Explanation:Ciprofloxacin increases plasma concentrations of theophylline. There is an increased risk of convulsions when quinolones are given with NSAIDs or theophylline. There is an increased risk of tendon damage when quinolones are given with corticosteroids. Quinolones are known to increase the QT-interval and should not be taken with concomitantly with other drugs that are known to cause QT-interval prolongation. There is an increased risk of myopathy when erythromycin or clarithromycin are taken with simvastatin or atorvastatin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Correct
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Epigastric pain and haematemesis present in a 67-year-old man. In the emergency room, he is stabilised and referred to the on-call medical team. He has been scheduled for an endoscopy in the morning due to a suspected peptic ulcer. Before transferring him to the ward, you consider giving him a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).Which of the following doses and routes are the best?
Your Answer: A PPI should not be prescribed
Explanation:PPIs should not be used prior to endoscopic therapy when an early endoscopic examination is performed within 24 hours of admission, according to current recommendations.High-dose PPI therapy reduces the risk of rebleeding and surgery after endoscopic treatment of severe peptic ulcer bleeding. Both oral and intravenous PPIs produce similar results, and there is no discernible benefit to using the intravenous formulation in patients who can tolerate oral medication.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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What is the mechanism of action of chlorphenamine:
Your Answer: Muscarinic antagonist
Correct Answer: H1-receptor antagonist
Explanation:Chlorphenamine is a competitive inhibitor at the H1-receptor (an antihistamine).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 11
Incorrect
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The patient is a 61-year-old man with severe central chest pain. An acute myocardial infarction is revealed by his ECG. Clopidogrel is one of the medications he takes as part of his treatment.Clopidogrel's direct mechanism of action is which of the following?
Your Answer: Activation of antithrombin III
Correct Answer: Inhibition of platelet ADP receptors
Explanation:Clopidogrel, a thienopyridine derivative, prevents platelet aggregation and cross-linking by the protein fibrin by inhibiting the ADP receptor on platelet cell membranes (inhibits binding of ADP to its platelet receptor (P2Y12 ADP-receptor).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 74-year-old woman with a history of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure is complaining of worsening oedema, bloating, and a loss of appetite. She has ascites and peripheral oedema on examination. Her oedema is being controlled by an oral diuretic, but it appears that this is no longer enough. You discuss her care with the on-call cardiology registrar, who believes she is very likely to have significant gut oedema that is interfering with her diuretic absorption and that she will need to change her medication.Which of the following oral diuretics is most likely to help you overcome this problem?
Your Answer: Mannitol
Correct Answer: Bumetanide
Explanation:Bumetanide is primarily used in patients with heart failure who have failed to respond to high doses of furosemide. Bumetanide and furosemide differ primarily in terms of bioavailability and pharmacodynamic potency. In the intestine, furosemide is only partially absorbed, with a bioavailability of 40-50 percent. Bumetanide, on the other hand, is almost completely absorbed in the intestine and has a bioavailability of about 80%. As a result, when it has a better bioavailability than furosemide, it is commonly used in patients with gut oedema.When taken alone, Bendroflumethiazide is a moderately potent diuretic that is unlikely to control her oedema.Mannitol is a type of osmotic diuretic used to treat cerebral oedema and high intracranial pressure.Acetazolamide is a weak diuretic that inhibits carbonic anhydrase. It’s a rare occurrence.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 23-year-old female has been prescribed a medication in the first trimester of pregnancy due to a life-threatening medical problem. After delivery, the foetus is found to have nasal hypoplasia, stippling of his bones and atrophy of bilateral optic discs along with growth retardation. Which ONE of the following drugs has this woman most likely received?
Your Answer: Chloramphenicol
Correct Answer: Warfarin
Explanation:Warfarin is teratogenic and can cause a host of abnormalities in the growing foetus. These include hypoplasia of the nasal bridge, stippling of the epiphyses, multiple ophthalmic complications, growth retardation, pectus carinatum, atrial septal defect, ventriculomegaly and a patent ductus arteriosus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 47-year-old woman comes in with palpitations that have been bothering her for the past four days. Her haemodynamics are normal, but her heart rate is currently 150 beats per minute. An ECG is performed, which reveals that she is experiencing atrial flutter. The patient is examined by a cardiology registrar, who recommends starting her on verapamil to control her ventricular rate while she waits for cardioversion.In these circumstances, which of the following is a contraindication to the use of verapamil?
Your Answer: Angina
Correct Answer: Acute porphyria
Explanation:In most cases of atrial flutter, ventricular rate control is used as a stopgap measure until sinus rhythm is restored. A beta-blocker (e.g. bisoprolol), diltiazem, or verapamil can be used to reduce the rate of contractions in the heart.Electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, and catheter ablation can all be used to return the heart to a normal rhythm. Cardioversion should not be attempted until the patient has been fully anticoagulated for at least three weeks if the duration of atrial flutter is unknown or it has lasted longer than 48 hours. Emergency electrical cardioversion is the treatment of choice when there is a sudden onset of symptoms and haemodynamic compromise. For recurrent atrial flutter, catheter ablation is preferred.Verapamil is a calcium-channel blocker that is non-dihydropyridine phenylalkylamine and can be used to treat supraventricular arrhythmias. It’s a calcium channel blocker with a high negative inotropic effect that lowers cardiac output, slows the heart rate, and may impair atrioventricular conduction. At high doses, it can cause heart failure, exacerbate conduction disorders, and cause hypotension.Adults should take 240-480 mg of verapamil in 2-3 divided doses. 5-10 mg IV over 30 seconds is the corresponding intravenous (IV) dose. After an IV injection, the peak effect lasts 3-5 minutes, and the action lasts 10-20 minutes.Verapamil should not be taken with beta-blockers like atenolol or quinidine because the combination of their negatively inotropic and negatively chronotropic effects can result in severe hypotension, bradycardia, impaired atrioventricular conduction, heart failure (due to impaired cardiac contractility), and sinus arrest.The use of verapamil is contraindicated in the following situations:Acute porphyrias are a type of porphyria that occurs suddenly.Accessory conducting pathways are linked to atrial flutter or fibrillation (e.g. Wolff-Parkinson-White-syndrome)BradycardiaShock caused by the heartInsufficiency of the heart (with reduced ejection fraction)Left ventricular function has been significantly harmed in the past (even if controlled by therapy)Hypotension (blood pressure less than 90 mmHg)AV block in the second and third degreesSinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses becomeSino-atrial occlusion
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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Ipratropium bromide should be used with caution in patients with which of the following conditions:
Your Answer: Diabetes mellitus
Correct Answer: Prostatic hyperplasia
Explanation:Ipratropium bromide is an antimuscarinic drug used in the management of acute asthma and COPD. It can provide short-term relief in chronic asthma, but short-acting Ī²2agonists act more quickly and are preferred.The BTS guidelines recommend that nebulised ipratropium bromide (0.5 mg 4-6 hourly) can be added to Ī²2agonist treatment for patients with acute severe or life-threatening asthma or those with a poor initial response to Ī²2 agonist therapy.The aerosol inhalation of ipratropium can be used for short-term relief in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients who are not already using a long-acting antimuscarinic drug (e.g. tiotropium).Its maximum effect occurs 30-60 minutes after use; its duration of action is 3-6 hours, and bronchodilation can usually be maintained with treatment three times per day.The commonest side effect of ipratropium bromide is dry mouth. It can also trigger acute closed-angle glaucoma in susceptible patients. Tremor is commonly seen with Ī²2agonists but not with antimuscarinics. Ipratropium bromide should be used with caution in: Men with prostatic hyperplasia and bladder-outflow obstruction (worsened urinary retention has been reported in elderly men), People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and above (because of the risk of drug toxicity), People with angle-closure glaucoma (nebulised mist of antimuscarinic drugs can precipitate or worsen acute angle-closure glaucoma)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 16
Correct
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You examine a 72-year-old man who has recently begun bumetanide treatment for worsening heart failure.Which of these statements about bumetanide is correct?
Your Answer: It has better intestinal absorption than furosemide
Explanation:Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that is used to treat congestive heart failure. It is frequently used in patients who have failed to respond to high doses of furosemide.It has a potency of about 40 times that of furosemide, with a 1 mg dose being roughly equivalent to a 40 mg dose of furosemide.Seizures are not known to be triggered by bumetanide. In fact, it lowers the concentration of neuronal chloride, making GABA’s action more depolarizing, and it’s currently being tested as an antiepileptic in the neonatal period.It takes effect after 1 hour of oral administration, and diuresis takes 6 hours to complete.Bumetanide absorbs much better in the intestine than furosemide. Because it has a higher bioavailability than furosemide, it is commonly used in patients with gut oedema.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 17
Correct
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The patient is a 78-year-old woman who has recently developed left-sided hemiplegia. A CT head scan is performed, and the diagnosis of an ischaemic stroke is confirmed. Her blood pressure is currently very high, with the most recent measurement being 196/124 mmHg, according to the nurse in charge. While you wait for the stroke team to review her, she asks you to prescribe something to help lower the patient's blood pressure.Which of the following is the best drug treatment for this patient's BP reduction?
Your Answer: Labetalol
Explanation:End-organ damage (e.g. encephalopathy, intracranial haemorrhage, acute myocardial infarction or ischaemia, dissection, pulmonary oedema, nephropathy, eclampsia, papilledema, and/or angiopathic haemolytic anaemia) characterises a hypertensive emergency (also known as ‘accelerated hypertension’ or malignant hypertension’ It’s a life-threatening condition that necessitates rapid blood pressure reduction to avoid end-organ damage and a negative outcome.In the setting of a stroke syndrome (i.e., in the presence of focal neurological deficits), hypertensive emergencies usually necessitate a slower and more controlled blood pressure reduction than in other situations. Rapid reduction of MAP in the presence of an ischaemic stroke can compromise blood flow, leading to further ischaemia and worsening of the neurological deficit. In this situation, intravenous labetalol is the drug of choice for lowering blood pressure.Significantly elevated blood pressure (>185/110 mmHg) is a contraindication to thrombolysis, but there is some evidence for controlling blood pressure before thrombolysis in exceptional circumstances, when it is only slightly above this threshold.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Correct
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As a result of a cardiovascular drug she was prescribed, a 67-year-old woman develops corneal microdeposits.Which of the following drugs is the MOST LIKELY cause?
Your Answer: Amiodarone
Explanation:Corneal microdeposits are almost universally present (over 90%) in people who have been taking amiodarone for more than six months, especially at doses above 400 mg/day. Although these deposits usually cause no symptoms, about 10% of patients report seeing a ‘bluish halo.’ This goes away once the treatment is stopped, and it rarely causes vision problems.Other effects of amiodarone on the eye are much rarer, occurring in only 1-2 percent of patients:Optic neuropathy is a condition that affects the eyes.Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (N-AION)Swelling of the optic disc
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old woman has an anaphylactic reaction following accidental ingestion peanuts at a restaurant. She is a known hypertensive on atenolol 50 mg daily and BP is well controlled. She is also on amlodipine 5 mg daily. Two doses of IM adrenaline has been given without improvement.Which medication may prove helpful in this patient?
Your Answer: IM Insulin
Correct Answer: IM Glucagon
Explanation:Resistant to the effects of adrenaline in anaphylaxis is seen in patients taking beta-blockers.Glucagon can be used to overcome the effects of the beta-blockade if initial doses of adrenaline are unsuccessful in patients taking beta-blockers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Salbutamol should be used with caution in patients with which of the following:
Your Answer: Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: Susceptibility to QT-interval prolongation
Explanation:Beta-2 agonists should be used with caution in people with: Cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmias and hypertension (beta-2 agonists may cause an increased risk of arrhythmias and significant changes to blood pressure and heart rate)Diabetes(risk of hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis, especially with intravenous use)Hyperthyroidism(beta-2 agonists may stimulate thyroid activity)Hypokalaemia(potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta-2Ā agonist therapy; this effect may be potentiated in severe asthma byĀ concomitant treatment with theophylline, corticosteroids, diuretics and by hypoxia)Susceptibility to QT-interval prolongationConvulsive disorders
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 21
Correct
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Regarding nitrous oxide, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Nitrous oxide may be used for maintenance of anaesthesia where its use allows reduced dosage of other agents.
Explanation:For anaesthesia, nitrous oxide is commonly used in a concentration of around 50 – 66% in oxygen in association with other inhalation or intravenous agents. Nitrous oxide cannot be used as the sole anaesthetic agent due to lack of potency, but is useful as part of a combination of drugs since it allows reduction in dosage of other agents. Exposure to nitrous oxide for prolonged periods, either by continuous or by intermittent administration, may result in megaloblastic anaemia as a result of interference with the action of vitamin B12. Nitrous oxide increases cerebral blood flow and should be avoided in patients with, or at risk of, raised intracranial pressure. Nitrous oxide may be administered by any trained personnel experienced in its use.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following corticosteroids has the most potent mineralocorticoid effect:
Your Answer: Betamethasone
Correct Answer: Fludrocortisone
Explanation:Fludrocortisone has the most potent mineralocorticosteroid activity, making it ideal for mineralocorticoid replacement in adrenal insufficiency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Correct
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Lidocaine's mechanism of action as a local aesthetic is as follows:
Your Answer: Blocks influx of Na+ through voltage-gated Na+ channels
Explanation:Local anaesthetics prevent generation/conduction of nerve impulses by reducing sodium permeability and increasing action potential threshold; inhibits depolarization, which results in blockade of conduction
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 24
Correct
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A young boy is carried by his friends to the Emergency Department in an unconscious state. He is quickly moved into the resuscitation room. He was at a party with friends and has injected heroin. On examination, his GCS is 6/15, and he has bilateral pinpoint pupils and a very low respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for this patient?
Your Answer: Naloxone 0.8 mg IV
Explanation:Heroin is injected into the veins and is the most commonly abused drug. Acute intoxication with opioid overuse is the most common cause of death by drug overdose. The clinical features of opioid overdose are:1. Decreased respiratory rate2. Reduced conscious level or coma3. Decreased bowel sounds4. Miotic (constricted) pupils5. Cyanosis6. Hypotension7. Seizures8. Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (with IV heroin usage)The main cause of death secondary to opioid overdose is respiratory depression, which usually occurs within 1 hour of the overdose. Vomiting is also common, and aspiration can occur.Naloxone is a short-acting, specific antagonist of mu(Ī¼)-opioid receptors. It is used to reverse the effects of opioid toxicity. It can be given by a continuous infusion if repeated doses are required and the infusion rate is adjusted according to the vital signs. Initially, the infusion rate can be set at 60% of the initial resuscitative IV dose per hour.Naloxone has a shorter duration of action (6-24 hours) than most opioids, and so close monitoring according to the respiratory rate and depth of coma with repeated injections is necessary. When repeated doses are needed in opioid addicts, naloxone administration may precipitate a withdrawal syndrome with abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhoea, but these usually settle within 2 hours.An initial dose of 0.4 to 2 mg can be given intravenously and can be repeated at 2 to 3-minute intervals to a maximum of 10mg. If the intravenous route is inaccessible, naloxone can be administered via an IO line, subcutaneously (SQ), IM, or via the intranasal (IN) route.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 27-year-old man was sent to the emergency department by ambulance with suspected anaphylaxis. What is the best first-line treatment for this patient?
Your Answer: 0.5 mL of 1:1000 solution adrenaline intravenously if access has been achieved
Correct Answer: 500 micrograms of adrenaline intramuscularly
Explanation:Anaphylaxis is the sudden onset of systemic hypersensitivity due to IgE-mediated chemical release from mast cells and basophils. If anaphylaxis is suspected, 500 micrograms of adrenaline should be administered promptly (0.5 ml of 1:1000 solution). In anaphylaxis, the intramuscular route is the most immediate approach; the optimal site is the anterolateral aspect of the middle part of the thigh. Intravenous adrenaline should only be given by people who are well-versed in the use and titration of vasopressors in their routine clinical practice.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 26
Correct
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old asthmatic patient's symptoms is deteriorating and patient is moved to the resuscitation area of the Emergency Department. A loading dose of IV aminophylline is administered and her symptoms begin to improve. You are asked to check her theophylline levels after an appropriate time period.How long should you wait before taking her blood sample be taken?
Your Answer: 24 hours
Correct Answer: 4-6 hours
Explanation:Plasma theophylline concentration is usually measured five days after starting oral treatment and three days after each dose adjustment. A blood sample to check theophylline concentration should usually be taken after 4-6 hours if an IV dose of aminophylline was given.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Normal saline (sodium chloride 0.9%) contains which of the following:
Your Answer: Sodium, chloride and calcium
Correct Answer: Sodium and chloride
Explanation:Normal saline (sodium chloride 0.9%) contains:Na+150 mmol/LCl-150 mmol/L
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids And Electrolytes
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Correct
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You are going to prescribe a NSAID to a 50-year-old male patient for his back pain. Which of the following NSAIDs is least likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects:
Your Answer: Ibuprofen
Explanation:NSAIDs are associated with serious gastrointestinal irritation and drug-induced ulcers. Among the NSAIDs included in the choices, ibuprofen has the lowest risk. Piroxicam, ketoprofen, and ketorolac trometamol are associated with the highest risk of serious upper gastrointestinal side effects. Indomethacin, diclofenac, and naproxen are associated with an intermediate risk of serious upper gastrointestinal side effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal
- Pharmacology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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The mechanism of action of abciximab is by:
Your Answer: Inhibition of platelet thromboxane A2 synthesis
Correct Answer: Blocking the binding of fibrinogen to GPIIb/IIIa receptor sites
Explanation:Abciximab is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and prevents platelet aggregation by blocking the binding of fibrinogen to receptors on platelets.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 31
Incorrect
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What is nimodipine used predominantly in the treatment of?
Your Answer: Termination of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Correct Answer: Prevention and treatment of vascular spasm following subarachnoid haemorrhage
Explanation:Nimodipine is a smooth muscle relaxant that is related to nifedipine, but the effects preferentially act on cerebral arteries. It is exclusively used for the prevention and treatment of vascular spasm after an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 32
Correct
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A 40-year-old man who has a history of asthma arrives at the emergency department complaining of palpitations that have been going on for 5 days. Which of the following beta-blockers is the safest for an asthmatic patient?
Your Answer: Atenolol
Explanation:Atenolol is a beta blocker, which is a type of medication that works by preventing certain natural substances in the body, such as epinephrine, from acting on the heart and blood vessels. This effect reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac strain. Atenolol, bisoprolol fumarate, metoprolol tartrate, nebivolol, and (to a lesser extent) acebutolol have a lower action on beta2 (bronchial) receptors and are thus cardio selective but not cardiac specific. They have a lower effect on airway resistance, although they are not without this adverse effect.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 33
Incorrect
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A 73-year-old woman arrives atĀ the emergency department 48 hours after being discharged from the hospital after a two-week stay for sepsis treatment. She has fever, productive cough with thick green sputum, and shortness of breath. An X-ray shows left lower lobe pneumonia. Which of the bacteria listed below is more likely to be the causative agent:
Your Answer: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Explanation:Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), or nosocomial pneumonia, is a lower respiratory infection that was not incubating at the time of hospital admission and that presents clinically 2 or more days after hospitalization. Pneumonia that presents sooner should be regarded as communityĀ acquired pneumonia. VAP refers to nosocomial pneumonia that develops among patients on ventilators. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia that presents more than 48 hours after endotracheal intubation.Common bacteria involved in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) include the following [10] :Pseudomonas AeruginosaStaphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA)Klebsiella pneumoniaeEscherichia coli
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Microbiology
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Question 34
Correct
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A 60-year-old male presents to the genitourinary clinic with dysuria and urinary frequency complaints. He has a past medical history of benign prostate enlargement, for which he has been taking tamsulosin. There is blood, protein, leucocytes, and nitrites on a urine dipstick. Fresh blood tests were sent, and his estimated GFR is calculated to be >60 ml/minute. A urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis is made, and he is prescribed antibiotics. Out of the following, which antibiotic is most appropriate to be prescribed to this patient?
Your Answer: Nitrofurantoin
Explanation:The NICE guidelines for men with lower UTIs are:1. Prescribe an antibiotic immediately, taking into account the previous urine culture and susceptibility results or avoiding antibiotics used previously that may have caused resistance 2. Obtain a midstream urine sample before starting antibiotics and send for urine culture and susceptibility – Review the choice of antibiotic when the results are available AND- change the antibiotic according to susceptibility results if the bacteria are resistant and symptoms are not improving, using a narrow-spectrum antibiotic wherever possibleThe first choice of antibiotics for men with lower UTIs is:1. Trimethoprim200 mg PO BD for seven days2. Nitrofurantoin100 mg modified-release PO BD for 3 days ā if eGFR >45 ml/minuteIn men whose symptoms have not responded to a first-choice antibiotic, alternative diagnoses (such as acute pyelonephritis or acute prostatitis) should be considered. Second-choice antibiotics should be based on recent culture and susceptibility results.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 35
Incorrect
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Which of these is NOT a lithium side effect:
Your Answer: Nephrotoxicity
Correct Answer: Peptic ulcer disease
Explanation:Adverse Effects of lithium IncludeLeucocytosis (most patients)Polyuria/polydipsia (30-50%)Dry mouth (20-50%)Hand tremor (45% initially, 10% after 1 year of treatment)Confusion (40%)Decreased memory (40%)Headache (40%)Muscle weakness (30% initially, 1% after 1 year of treatment)Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes (20-30%)Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (10-30% initially, 1-10% after 1-2 years of treatment)Hyperreflexia (15%)Muscle twitch (15%)Vertigo (15%)Extrapyramidal symptoms, goitre (5%)Hypothyroidism (1-4%)Acne (1%)Hair thinning (1%)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 36
Incorrect
-
A 56-year-old female presents at the hospital with a diabetic foot ulcer that has become infected. She has a longstanding history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic polyneuropathy. She has trouble controlling her blood sugar levels, and recently, she was converted to a new insulin regimen that includes intermediate-acting insulin.Out of the following, which one is the intermediate-acting insulin?
Your Answer: Insulin detemir
Correct Answer: Isophane insulin
Explanation:Insulin is used mainly in type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas makes no insulin and can sometimes be prescribed in type 1 diabetes. There are different types of insulin categorized by their onset of action:1. Intermediate-acting insulins (isophane insulin NPH): – intermediate duration of action, designed to mimic the effect of endogenous basal insulin- starts their action in 1 to 4 hours- peaks in 4 to 8 hours – dosing is usually twice a day and helps maintain blood sugar throughout the day- Isophane insulin is a suspension of insulin with protamine2. Short-acting insulins (regular insulin)- starts the action in 30 to 40 minutes- peaks in 90 to 120 minutes- duration of action is 6 to 8 hours- taken before meals, and food is necessary within 30 minutes after its administration to avoid hypoglycaemia3. Long-acting insulins (glargine, detemir, degludec)- start action in 1 to 2 hours- plateau effect over 12 to 24 hours- Dosing is usually during the night-time after meals. Their long duration of action helps in reducing the frequency of dosing throughout the day. 4. Rapid-acting insulins (lispro, aspart, glulisine) – start their action in 5 to 15 minutes- peak in 30 minutes- The duration of action is 3 to 5 hours- generally used before meals and always used along with short-acting or long-acting insulins to control sugar levels throughout the day.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 37
Incorrect
-
A patient presents with an acute severe asthma attack. Following a poor response to his initial salbutamol nebuliser, you administer a further nebuliser that this time also contains ipratropium bromide.After what time period would you expect the maximum effect of the ipratropium bromide to occur? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: 1-2 hours
Correct Answer: 30 -60 minutes
Explanation:Ipratropium bromide is an antimuscarinic drug used in the management of acute asthma and COPD. It can provide short-term relief in chronic asthma, but short-acting Ī²2agonists act more quickly and are preferred.The BTS guidelines recommend that nebulised ipratropium bromide (0.5 mg 4-6 hourly) can be added to Ī²2agonist treatment for patients with acute severe or life-threatening asthma or those with a poor initial response to Ī²2 agonist therapy.The aerosol inhalation of ipratropium can be used for short-term relief in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients who are not already using a long-acting antimuscarinic drug (e.g. tiotropium).Its maximum effect occurs 30-60 minutes after use; its duration of action is 3-6 hours, and bronchodilation can usually be maintained with treatment three times per day.The commonest side effect of ipratropium bromide is dry mouth. It can also trigger acute closed-angle glaucoma in susceptible patients. Tremor is commonly seen with Ī²2agonists but not with antimuscarinics. Ipratropium bromide should be used with caution in: Men with prostatic hyperplasia and bladder-outflow obstruction (worsened urinary retention has been reported in elderly men), People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and above (because of the risk of drug toxicity), People with angle-closure glaucoma (nebulised mist of antimuscarinic drugs can precipitate or worsen acute angle-closure glaucoma)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
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Question 38
Correct
-
In adult advanced life support, which of the following best describes the correct administration of adrenaline for a non-shockable rhythm:
Your Answer: Give 1 mg of adrenaline as soon as intravenous access is achieved and every 3 - 5 minutes thereafter
Explanation:IV adrenaline 1 mg (10 mL of 1:10,000 solution) should be given after 3 shocks and every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 39
Incorrect
-
The patients listed below have had wounds or injuries and were treated as described in a local walk-in clinic.Which of the following patients has had adequate tetanus protection?
Your Answer: 30-year-old, electrical burn to the torso with a large amount of devitalised tissue - has had all vaccinations, so no need for vaccination or immunoglobulin
Correct Answer: 80-year-old diabetic, a rusty nail went through his shoe and into his foot when walking in the woods, uncertain of vaccination history - receives vaccination and immunoglobulin
Explanation:25-year-old receives immunoglobulin and vaccination after cutting her hand on a drinking glass and not knowing her vaccination history.Because this is not a tetanus-prone wound, immunoglobulin is not recommended. Because you can’t be sure about her vaccination history, now is the best time to start a tetanus vaccination course to ensure coverage later in life. The first vaccination should be administered at the time of presentation; the patient’s own GP should then review the patient’s vaccination history and schedule the rest of the course as needed.8-year-old whose hand was cut with a kitchen knife, received her first round of vaccinations as a baby and a booster at the age of four – receives vaccination:The tetanus vaccinations for this child are up to date, and the next booster should not be given too soon. Immunoglobulin is not required because this is not a tetanus-prone wound.80-year-old diabetic, a rusty nail went through his shoe and into his foot while walking in the woods, and he was uncertain of his vaccination history – he received vaccination and immunoglobulin:A tetanus vaccination course may not have been completed by an 80-year-old UK resident (the vaccination was introduced in 1961). The vaccination should be given at a walk-in clinic, and the patient’s own GP should be contacted to confirm vaccination history and to schedule the rest of the course as needed. Because this is a tetanus-prone wound (puncture wound and potential soil contact), immunoglobulin would be recommended in a patient with incomplete tetanus vaccinations.A 28-year-old Polish man cuts his leg while working in the garden, the wound is heavily contaminated with soil, and his vaccination history is unknown ā he receives vaccination:In a patient with an unknown vaccination history, this is a tetanus-prone wound. In this case, the best course of action would be to administer both the vaccination and immunoglobulin at the walk-in clinic, then contact the patient’s own GP to check his or her vaccination history and schedule the rest of the course as needed.30-year-old with a large amount of devitalized tissue in the torso from an electrical burn – has had all vaccinations, so no need for vaccination or immunoglobulin:Because this is a high-risk tetanus wound (with a lot of devitalized tissue), even if the patient has had a full course of vaccinations in the past, immunoglobulin is recommended. There is no need for any additional vaccinations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunological Products & Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 40
Correct
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A 60-year-old man comes to your department with complaints of epigastric pain. There is a history of rheumatoid arthritis and he has been taking ibuprofen 200 mg TDS for the last 2 weeks.The following scenarios would prompt you to consider the co-prescription of a PPI for gastroprotection with NSAIDs EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Long-term use for chronic back pain in a patient aged 30
Explanation:The current recommendations by NICE suggest that gastro-protection should be considered if patients have ā„1 of the following:Aged 65 or older- Using maximum recommended dose of an NSAID- History of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding- Concomitant use of: antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, Corticosteroids, anticoagulants and low dose aspirin- Long-term NSAID usage for: long-term back pain if older than 45 and patients with OA or RA at any ageThe maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen is 2.4 g daily and this patient is on 400 mg of ibuprofen TDS.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 41
Correct
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You are attending to a patient that has presented with a severe headache in the Emergency Department. The patient has signs of cerebral oedema and raised intracranial pressure. You discuss the case with the on-call neurology registrar and decide to prescribe Mannitol. The nurse assisting you asks you to reconsider this management plan as she suspects the patient has a contraindication to Mannitol.Out of the following, what is a contraindication to mannitol?
Your Answer: Severe cardiac failure
Explanation:Mannitol is the most widely used osmotic diuretic that is most commonly used to reduce cerebral oedema and intracranial pressure. It is recommended to use mannitol for the reduction of CSF pressure/cerebral oedema in a dose of 0.25-2 g/kg as an intravenous infusion over 30-60 minutes. This can be repeated 1-2 times after 4-8 hours if needed.Mannitol has several contraindications and some of them are listed below:1. Anuria due to renal disease2. Acute intracranial bleeding (except during craniotomy)3. Severe cardiac failure4. Severe dehydration5. Severe pulmonary oedema or congestion6. Known hypersensitivity to mannitol
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 42
Incorrect
-
Regarding antiemetics, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Metoclopramide acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
Correct Answer: Of the antiemetics, cyclizine is most commonly associated with acute dystonic reactions.
Explanation:Cyclizine acts by inhibiting histamine pathways and cholinergic pathways involved in transmission from the vestibular apparatus to the vomiting centre.Ā Metoclopramide is a dopamine-receptor antagonist which acts both peripherally in the GI tract and centrally within the chemoreceptor trigger zone.Ā Prochlorperazine is a dopamine-D2 receptor antagonist and acts centrally by blocking the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are both commonly associated with extrapyramidal effects, such as acute dystonic reaction. Cyclizine may rarely cause extrapyramidal effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 43
Correct
-
A 28-year-old asthmatic patient is seen in the Emergency Department following an acute exacerbation. HisĀ symptoms start to improve when your consultant gives him a high dose of IV aminophylline.Which of the following is correct mechanism ofĀ action of aminophylline ?
Your Answer: Inhibition of phosphodiesterase
Explanation:Aminophylline has the following properties:Phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases intracellular cAMP and relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels.Mast cell stabilization is achieved by using a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
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Question 44
Incorrect
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A 32-year-old man is dehydrated as he presents with severe vomiting and diarrhoea. He urgently requires resuscitation with intravenous fluid administration. He is also administered metoclopramide.Which of the following is the true mechanism of action of metoclopramide?
Your Answer: Neurokinin receptor antagonism
Correct Answer: Dopamine receptor antagonism
Explanation:Metoclopramide is used to treat nausea and vomiting. It works by blocking the central and peripheral D2 (dopamine 2) receptors in the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone in the vomiting centre (area postrema). It decreases the sensitivity of the visceral sensory nerves that transmit from the GI system to the vomiting centre. Blockade of inhibitory dopamine receptors in the GI tract may allow stimulatory actions of ACh at muscarinic synapses to predominate.At high doses, metoclopramide also blocks type-2 serotonin receptors though the effect is much weaker.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 45
Correct
-
Which of the following medications can block the effect of adrenaline?
Your Answer: Beta-blockers
Explanation:Beta-blockers may reduce the response to adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylactic reactions. Noncardioselective beta-blockers in particular can antagonize the broncho dilating and cardio stimulatory effects of adrenaline by blocking beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of the bronchial tree and in the heart muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 46
Correct
-
The risk of renal impairment in a patient on ACE inhibitor therapy is increased by concomitant treatment with which of the following drug classes:
Your Answer: NSAIDs
Explanation:Concomitant treatment with NSAIDs increases the risk of renal damage, and with potassium-sparing diuretics (or potassium-containing salt substitutes) increases the risk of hyperkalaemia. Hyperkalaemia and other side effects of ACE inhibitors are more common in the elderly and in those with impaired renal function and the dose may need to be reduced.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 47
Incorrect
-
What is the correct adrenaline dose for a patient with pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
Your Answer: 10 ml of 1 in 1000 adrenaline solution
Correct Answer: 10 ml of 1 in 10,000 adrenaline solution
Explanation:Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) are referred to as shockable rhythm. IV adrenaline 1 mg (10 mL of 1:10,000 solution) should be administered after 3 shocks and every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter for a shockable rhythm. For a non-shockable rhythm, 1 mg IV adrenaline should be administered as soon as IV access is obtained, and then every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 48
Incorrect
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A 42-year-old patient with worsening epigastric pain has been referred to you by a GP. The patient has been taking omeprazole for a month, but her symptoms are getting worse.Which of the following is NOT a well-known side effect of proton pump inhibitor treatment?
Your Answer: Diarrhoea
Correct Answer: Pelvic fracture
Explanation:Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have a variety of side effects, including:Vomiting and nauseaPain in the abdomenFlatulenceDiarrhoeaConstipationHeadachePPIs have been linked to a significant increase in the risk of focal tachyarrhythmias (link is external).Low serum magnesium and sodium levels have been linked to long-term use of PPIs, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (link is external).Long-term PPI use has also been linked to an increased risk of fracture, according to epidemiological evidence (link is external). Observational studies have discovered a slight link between hip, wrist, and spine fractures. However, there is no link between the two and an increased risk of pelvic fracture. For this reason, the MHRA recommends that patients at risk of osteoporosis who take PPIs maintain an adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 49
Incorrect
-
A patient who is a known case of rheumatoid arthritis presents to the clinic as his grandson was recently diagnosed with chickenpox. His grandson spent the weekend with her, and he was in close contact with him. He takes 50 mg of prednisolone once daily and has been for the past six months. There is no history of chickenpox.Out of the following, which is TRUE regarding the next plan of action for her care?
Your Answer: Should she subsequently develop chickenpox, she requires oral aciclovir
Correct Answer: She should receive prophylactic varicella-zoster Immunoglobulin (VZIG)
Explanation:Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) is indicated for post exposure prevention and treatment of varicella. It is recommended as prophylaxis for high-risk patients with no known immunity (i.e. no known previous chickenpox) who have had a significant exposure to varicella-zoster (considered >4 hours close contact).The high-risk groups are:1. Neonates2. Pregnant women3. The immunocompromised (e.g. cancer, immunosuppressive therapies)4. Those on high dose steroids (children on more than 2 mg/kg/day for more than 14 days, or adults on 40 mg/day for more than a week)This patient is at high risk of developing adrenal insufficiency and may need a temporary increase in her steroid dose during infection or stress. It would be inappropriate to stop or wean down her dose of prednisolone and can cause side effects.Since he is on steroids without immunity for chickenpox, he is at risk of developing severe varicella infection, with possible complications including pneumonia, hepatitis and DIC. If he develops a varicella infection, he will need to be admitted and require a specialist review and intravenous Acyclovir.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunological Products & Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 50
Incorrect
-
A 61-year-old patient experiences a spontaneous rupture of his Achilles tendon following a course of antibioticsWhich of the antibiotics listed below is MOSTĀ likely to be the cause?Ā
Your Answer: Co-amoxiclav
Correct Answer: Ciprofloxacin
Explanation:Tendinopathy and spontaneous tendon rupture are caused by fluoroquinolones, which are an uncommon but well-known cause. Tendon problems caused by fluoroquinolones are expected to affect 15 to 20 people per 100,000. Patients over the age of 60 are most likely to develop them.It usually affects the Achilles tendon, but it has also been described in cases involving the quadriceps, peroneus brevis, extensor pollicis longus, long head of biceps brachii, and rotator cuff tendons. The exact aetiology is uncertain, although the fluoroquinolone medication is thought to obstruct collagen activity and/or cut off blood supply to the tendon.Other factors linked to tendon rupture spontaneously include:GoutTreatment with corticosteroidsHypercholesterolaemiaLong-term dialysisKidney transplantRheumatoid arthritisĀ
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 51
Incorrect
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You see a 63-year-old man with a history of melaena and epigastric discomfort. For a few months, he's been taking aspirin.Which of the following statements about aspirin's mechanism of action is correct?
Your Answer: It reversibly blocks cyclo-oxygenase (COX)
Correct Answer: It inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 at medium to high doses (500-5000 mg per day)
Explanation:Aspirin inhibits cyclo-oxygenase irreversibly by covalently acetylating the cyclo-oxygenase active site in both COX-1 and COX-2. The production of prostaglandin and thromboxane is reduced as a result. As a result, platelet activation and aggregation are reduced. A single dose of aspirin has a half-life of 7-10 days, which is the time it takes for the bone marrow to produce new platelets.Aspirin only inhibits COX-1, the enzyme that produces thromboxane A2, at low doses (75 mg per day), and thus has a primarily anti-thrombotic effect.Aspirin inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 at medium to high doses (500-5000 mg per day). COX-2 is involved in the production of prostaglandins, so it has an anti-inflammatory effect at these concentrations.Aspirin, when used as an antipyretic for a viral illness in children, can cause Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a potentially fatal liver disease that causes encephalopathy and liver failure.The inability of aspirin to reduce platelet production of thromboxane A2, and thus platelet activation and aggregation, is known as aspirin resistance. Although the exact frequency and mechanism of aspirin resistance are unknown, it is thought to affect about 1% of users. Women are more likely than men to experience this phenomenon.According to new research, taking aspirin on a regular basis lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. It may also protect against cancers of the breast, bladder, prostate, and lungs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 52
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of benzodiazepine toxicity:
Your Answer: Ataxia
Correct Answer: Hyperventilation
Explanation:Features of benzodiazepine toxicity include: drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthria, nystagmus, occasionally respiratory depression and coma
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 53
Incorrect
-
Approximately how long is the duration of a lidocaine block (when given with adrenaline):
Your Answer: 30 minutes
Correct Answer: 90 minutes
Explanation:Lidocaine is a tertiary amine that is primarily used as a local anaesthetic but can also be used intravenously in the treatment of ventricular dysrhythmias.Lidocaine works as a local anaesthetic by diffusing in its uncharged base form through neural sheaths and the axonal membrane to the internal surface of the cell membrane sodium channels. Here it alters signal conduction by blocking the fast voltage-gated sodium channels. With sufficient blockage, the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron will not depolarise and will be unable to transmit an action potential, thereby preventing the transmission of pain signals.Each 1 ml of plain 1% lidocaine solution contains 10 mg of lidocaine hydrochloride. The maximum safe dose of plain lidocaine is 3 mg/kg. When administered with adrenaline 1:200,000, the maximum safe dose is 7 mg/kg. Because of the risk of vasoconstriction and tissue necrosis, lidocaine should not be used in combination with adrenaline in extremities such as fingers, toes, and the nose.The half-life of lidocaine is 1.5-2 hours. Its onset of action is rapid within a few minutes, and it has a duration of action of 30-60 minutes when used alone. Its duration of action is prolonged by co-administration with adrenaline (about 90 minutes).Lidocaine tends to cause vasodilatation when used locally. This is believed to be due mainly to the inhibition of action potentials via sodium channel blocking in vasoconstrictor sympathetic nerves.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 54
Correct
-
All of the following statements regarding metronidazole are correct except:
Your Answer: Metronidazole reduces the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Explanation:The anticoagulant effect of warfarin is enhanced by metronidazole. If use of both cannot be avoided, one must consider appropriately reducing the warfarin dosage. With alcohol, metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction, with symptoms like flushing, headaches, dizziness, tachypnoea and tachycardia, nausea and vomiting. The common side effects of metronidazole include a metallic taste and gastrointestinal irritation, in particular nausea and vomiting. These side effects are more common at higher doses. This drug has high activity against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, and is well absorbed orally. For severe infections, the intravenous route is normally reserved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 55
Correct
-
Dysuria and urinary frequency are symptoms of a 29-year-old woman. A urine dipstick is used to detect the presence of blood, protein, leucocytes, and nitrites in the urine. You diagnose a urinary tract infection and give antibiotics to the patient.In the United Kingdom, which of the following antibiotics has the highest percentage of E.coli resistance?
Your Answer: Trimethoprim
Explanation:In the United Kingdom, antibiotic resistance is becoming a significant factor in the treatment of urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis. E. coli (the main causative organism of both urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis) resistance to the following antibiotics in laboratory-processed urine specimens is:30.3 percent trimethoprim (varies by area from 27.1 to 33.4 percent )19.8 percent co-amoxiclav (varies by area from 10.8 to 30.7 percent )Ciprofloxacin (Cipro): 10.6% (varies by area from 7.8 to 13.7 percent )Cefalexin has a concentration of 9.9%. (varies by area from 8.1 to 11.4 percent )
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 56
Incorrect
-
A 55-year-old female is urgently rushed into the Emergency Department as she complains of chest pain that is worse on breathing, shortness of breath, palpitations, and haemoptysis. She undergoes a CT pulmonary angiogram, which reveals a large pulmonary embolus. She is immediately started on heparin and shifted to the acute medical ward.Which of the following does heparin activate?
Your Answer: Protein S
Correct Answer: Antithrombin III
Explanation:Heparin works by binding to and activating the enzyme inhibitor antithrombin III. Antithrombin III inactivates thrombin (factor IIa) by forming a 1:1 complex with thrombin. The heparin-antithrombin III complex also inhibits factor Xa and some other proteases involved with clotting. The heparin-ATIII complex can also inactivate IX, XI, XII, and plasmin.Heparin is a polymer of glycosaminoglycan. It occurs naturally and is found in mast cells. Clinically, it is used in two forms:1. Unfractionated: widely varying polymer chain lengths2. Low molecular weight: Smaller polymers only Heparin is not thrombolytic or fibrinolytic. It prevents the progression of existing clots by inhibiting further clotting. The lysis of existing clots relies on endogenous thrombolytics.Heparin is used for:1. Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism2. Treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation3. Treatment of fat embolism4. Priming of haemodialysis and cardiopulmonary bypass machines
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 57
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is an example of a vaccine produced by recombinant DNA technology:
Your Answer: Tetanus
Correct Answer: Hepatitis B
Explanation:Hepatitis B vaccines are prepared from the viral surface antigen. The recombinant vaccine is now the most widely used vaccine and induces a sufficient antibody response in 90% of individuals.Indications for hepatitis B vaccination include:All health care professionalās working in the UKOther professions with occupational risks (foster carers, staff of custodial institutions, morticians etc)Babies of mothers with hepatitis B during pregnancyClose family contacts of a case or carrierIV drug abusersIndividuals with haemophiliaIndividuals with chronic renal failureSex workers and individuals with frequently changing sexual partnersThe vaccine should be stored between 2 and 8 degrees C as freezing destroys its efficacy. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly, either into the deltoid region (preferred) or anterolateral thigh. The buttock should be avoided as it reduces the efficacy of the vaccine.The standard regime is to give 3 doses of the vaccine, the 1stand 2ndone month apart and the 2ndand 3rdsix months apart. Antibody titres should be tested 2 to 4 months after the primary course.A peak titre above 100 mIU/ml is regarded as a good response and implies long-term immunity. A peak titre between 10-100 mIU/ml is regarded as a low response and a peak titre of less than 10mIU/ml is regarded as a poor response.There is no substantiated association between hepatitis B vaccination and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunoglobulins And Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 58
Incorrect
-
Which of the following classes of drugs may predispose to lithium toxicity:
Your Answer: Theophylline
Correct Answer: Thiazide diuretics
Explanation:Excretion of lithium may be reduced by thiazide diuretics, NSAIDs, and ACE inhibitors thus predisposing to lithium toxicity.Ā Loop diuretics also cause lithium retention but are less likely to result in lithium toxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 59
Incorrect
-
You examine a 48-year-old woman's blood results and notice that her glucose level is elevated. When you tell her about it, she tells you that her doctor recently ran some tests and discovered that she has impaired glucose tolerance.Which of the following medications has not been linked to a reduction in glucose tolerance?
Your Answer: Bendroflumethiazide
Correct Answer: Amlodipine
Explanation:The following drugs have been linked to impaired glucose tolerance:Thiazide diuretics, e.g. BendroflumethiazideLoop diuretics, e.g. furosemideSteroids, e.g. prednisoloneBeta-blockers, e.g. atenolol
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 60
Correct
-
A 32-year-old female is diagnosed case of bipolar disorder and is on medication. She presents to her psychiatric team with symptoms of severe depression. She is currently taking Lithium. Out of the following, which is TRUE regarding lithium?
Your Answer: It commonly causes a tremor
Explanation:Lithium is the drug of choice for bipolar disorders but is commonly associated with side effects and toxicity. Fine hand tremor is very commonly seen and reported in as many as 50% of patients during the first week of therapy with Lithium. The tremor tends to reduce with time and is only present in around 5% of patients taking the medication two years or longer. Lithium tremors are more common with older age, presumably due to the additive effects of age-related essential tremors.Option The normal therapeutic range is 2.0-2.5 mmol/l: Lithium should be carefully monitored as it has a very low therapeutic index. The normal therapeutic range is 0.4-0.8 mmol/l. Levels should be checked one week after starting therapy and one week after every change in dosage. (Option Levels should be checked one month after starting therapy) Option It can induce hyperthyroidism: Lithium has a known effect on thyroid function. Lithium decreases the production of T4 and T3 and commonly causes hypothyroidism. More rarely, lithium causes hyperthyroidism due to thyroiditis.Option It can induce diabetes mellitus: Lithium can induce nephrogenic diabetes insipidus but not diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 61
Incorrect
-
The functional residual capacity (FRC) will be increased in which of the following:
Your Answer: Neuromuscular disease
Correct Answer: Emphysema
Explanation:Factors increasing FRC:EmphysemaAir trapping in asthmaAgeing (due to loss of elastic properties)Increasing height of patient
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 62
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect associated with statin therapy:
Your Answer: Hepatotoxicity
Correct Answer: Aplastic anaemia
Explanation:Adverse effects of statins include:, Headache, Epistaxis, Gastrointestinal disorders (such as constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, and diarrhoea), Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (such as myalgia, arthralgia, pain in the extremity, muscle spasms, joint swelling, and back pain), Hyperglycaemia and diabetes, Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, Interstitial lung disease and Hepatotoxicity
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 63
Incorrect
-
A 44-year-old man with an acute episode of gout presents to you and you discuss treatment plan with him.Which one of these statements concerning the treatment of acute gout is true?
Your Answer: Colchicine is contra-indicated in heart failure
Correct Answer: A common first-line treatment is Naproxen as a stat dose of 750 mg followed by 250 mg TDS
Explanation:High-dose NSAIDs are the first-line treatment for acute gout. In the absence of any contraindications, Naproxen 750 mg as a stat dose followed by 250 mg TDS is commonly used.Aspirin is contraindicated in gout. It reduces the urinary clearance of urate and also interferes with the action of uricosuric agents. Colchicine is preferred in patients with heart failure or in those who are intolerant of NSAIDs. It is as effective as NSAIDs in relieving acute attacks.Colchicine acts on the neutrophils, binding to tubulin to prevent neutrophil migration into the joint. Where Allopurinol is not tolerated, it has a role in prophylactic treatment of gout.Allopurinol should not be started in the acute phase of gout as it increases the severity and duration of symptoms. It is used as a prophylaxis in preventing future attacks and acts by reducing serum uric acid levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 64
Incorrect
-
Regarding the UK routine childhood immunisation schedule which of the following vaccines is NOT given at 12 months:
Your Answer: Meningococcal group C
Correct Answer: Polio
Explanation:At 12 months the following vaccines are given:Hib (4th dose) and Meningococcal group CPneumococcal (13 serotypes) (2nd dose)Measles, mumps and rubellaMeningococcal group B (3rd dose)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunoglobulins And Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 65
Incorrect
-
A 72 year old man is brought to ED by ambulance with sudden onset chest pain, palpitations and shortness of breath. His HR is 160 bpm and BP 90/65. ECG demonstrates new-onset fast atrial fibrillation. Which of the following is the first-line treatment option in this case:
Your Answer: Digoxin
Correct Answer: Synchronised DC cardioversion
Explanation:All patients with adverse features suggesting life-threatening haemodynamic instability (shock, syncope, heart failure, myocardial ischaemia) caused by new onset atrial fibrillation should undergo emergency electrical cardioversion with synchronised DC shock without delaying to achieve anticoagulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 66
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of lithium toxicity:
Your Answer: Confusion
Correct Answer: Miosis
Explanation:Features of toxicity include:Increasing gastrointestinal disturbances (vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia)Visual disturbancesPolyuria and incontinenceMuscle weakness and tremorTinnitusCNS disturbances (dizziness, confusion and drowsiness increasing to lack of coordination, restlessness, stupor)Abnormal reflexes and myoclonusHypernatraemiaWith severe overdosage (serum-lithium concentration > 2 mmol/L) seizures, cardiac arrhythmias (including sinoatrial block, bradycardia and first-degree heart block), blood pressure changes, electrolyte imbalance, circulatory failure, renal failure, coma and sudden death may occur.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 67
Incorrect
-
A 23 year old woman has noticed her skin seems to have a yellow tinge and presents to the emergency room. On examination she is found to have jaundice and mild splenomegaly, and blood tests show that her Hb is 79 g/L. She only takes one regular medication. The medication that is most likely to cause haemolytic anaemia is:
Your Answer: Sertraline
Correct Answer: Mefenamic acid
Explanation:Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used short-term (7 days or less) to treat mild to moderate pain in adults and children who are at least 14 years old. Mefenamic acid is also used to treat menstrual pain. It has only minor anti-inflammatory properties and has occasionally been associated with diarrhoea and haemolytic anaemia. If these occur, treatment should be discontinued.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal
- Pharmacology
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Question 68
Correct
-
You examine a 73-year-old patient who is experiencing a worsening of his chronic heart failure. Bumetanide was recently prescribed for him.Which of the following statements about bumetanide is correct?
Your Answer: It has better intestinal absorption than furosemide
Explanation:Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium, chloride, and potassium reabsorption by acting on the Na.K.2Cl co-transporter in the ascending loop of HenlĆ©. This reduces the osmotic gradient that forces water out of the collecting duct system and prevents the formation of a hypertonic renal medulla. This has a strong diuretic effect on the body.It’s primarily used in patients with heart failure who aren’t responding to high doses of furosemide. Bumetanide and furosemide differ primarily in terms of bioavailability and pharmacodynamic potency.In the intestine, furosemide is only partially absorbed, with a bioavailability of 40-50 percent. Bumetanide, on the other hand, is almost completely absorbed in the intestine and has a bioavailability of about 80%. Bumetanide is 40 times more potent than furosemide, and one milligram is roughly equivalent to 40 milligrams of furosemide.Bumetanide also lowers the concentration of neuronal chloride, making GABA’s action more depolarizing. In the neonatal period, it is being studied as an antiepileptic.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 69
Incorrect
-
A patient presents to ED with heartburn for which they already take regular antacids. Which of the following drugs can be affected if taken with antacids:
Your Answer: Aciclovir
Correct Answer: Digoxin
Explanation:Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may affect absorption. When antacids are taken with acidic drugs (e.g. digoxin, phenytoin, chlorpromazine, isoniazid) they cause the absorption of the acidic drugs to be decreased, which causes low blood concentrations of the drugs, which ultimately results in reduced effects of the drugs. Antacids taken with drugs such as pseudoephedrine and levodopa increase absorption of the drugs and can cause toxicity/adverse events due to increased blood levels of the drugs. Antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide when taken with some other medications (such as tetracycline) will bind to the drugs, and reduce their absorption and effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 70
Correct
-
Which of the following side effects has limited the use of etomidate as an intravenous induction agent:
Your Answer: Adrenocortical suppression
Explanation:Etomidate causes the least cardiovascular depression of the intravenous induction agents, with only a small reduction in the cardiac output and blood pressure. In the past, etomidate was widely used to induce anaesthesia in the shocked, elderly or cardiovascularly unstable patient. However, more recently it has become less popular as a single induction dose blocks the normal stress-induced increase in adrenal cortisol production for 4 – 8 hours, and up to 24 hours in elderly and debilitated patients. Although no increase in mortality has been identified following a single dose during induction of anaesthesia, the use of etomidate has declined due to a perceived potential morbidity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 71
Incorrect
-
You're called to a cardiac arrest in your Emergency Department resuscitation area. The rhythm strip is shown in the diagram below. Defibrillation has already been attempted three times on the patient. You intended to administer amiodarone, but your department has informed you that it is not available.In these circumstances, if amiodarone is not available, which of the following drugs is recommended by the ALS guidelines?
Your Answer: Digoxin
Correct Answer: Lidocaine
Explanation:If amiodarone is unavailable in VF/pVT arrests, lidocaine at a dose of 1 mg/kg can be used instead, according to the latest ALS guidelines. If amiodarone has already been given, no lidocaine should be given.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 72
Incorrect
-
Regarding antacids, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Tablet preparations are more effective than liquid preparations.
Correct Answer: Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia.
Explanation:Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia. Liquid preparations are more effective than tablet preparations.Ā Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids tend to be constipating.Ā Antacids are best taken when symptoms occur or are expected, usually between meals and at bedtime.Ā Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may impair absorption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 73
Incorrect
-
A 28-year-old female patient with a history of hypothyroidism arrives at the Emergency Department after taking 30 of her 200 mcg levothyroxine tablets. She tells you she's 'tired of life' and 'can't take it any longer.' She is currently asymptomatic, and her findings are all within normal limits.What is the minimum amount of levothyroxine that must be taken before thyrotoxicosis symptoms appear?
Your Answer: >2 mg
Correct Answer: >10 mg
Explanation:An overdose of levothyroxine can happen by accident or on purpose. Intentional overdosing is sometimes done to lose weight, but it can also happen in patients who are suicidal. The development of thyrotoxicosis, which can lead to excited sympathetic activity and high metabolism syndrome, is the main source of concern. The time between ingestion and the emergence of clinical features associated with an overdose is often quite long.After a levothyroxine overdose, the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Symptoms and signs are usually only seen in patients who have taken more than 10 mg of levothyroxine in total.The following are the most commonly seen clinical features in patients developing clinical features:TremorAgitationSweatingInsomniaHeadacheIncreased body temperatureIncreased blood pressureDiarrhoea and vomitingLess common clinical features associated with levothyroxine overdose include:SeizuresAcute psychosisThyroid stormTachycardiaArrhythmiasComaThe continued absorption of the ingested levothyroxine causes a progressive rise in both total serum T4 and total serum T3 levels in the first 24 hours after an overdose. However, in some cases, the biochemical picture is completely normal. Thyroid function tests are not always recommended after a thyroxine overdose. Although elevated thyroxine levels are common, they have little clinical significance and have no impact on treatment. Following a levothyroxine overdose, the following biochemical features are common:T4 and T3 levels in the blood are elevated.Free T4 and Free T3 levels are higher.TSH levels in the blood are low.If the patient is cooperative and more than 10 mg of levothyroxine has been consumed, activated charcoal can be given (i.e., likely to become symptomatic)Within an hour of ingestion, the patient presents.The treatment is mostly supportive and aimed at managing the sympathomimetic symptoms that come with levothyroxine overdose. If beta blockers aren’t an option, try propranolol 10-40 mg PO 6 hours or diltiazem 60-180 mg 8 hours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 74
Incorrect
-
Regarding chemical control of respiration, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: There is a synergistic relationship between PO2 and PCO2 in stimulating ventilatory response.
Correct Answer: The blood-brain barrier is freely permeable to HCO3 - ions.
Explanation:CSF is separated from the blood by the blood-brain barrier. This barrier is impermeable to polar molecules such as H+and HCO3-but CO2can diffuse across it easily. The pH of CSF is therefore determined by the arterial PCO2and the CSF HCO3-and is not affected by blood pH.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 75
Correct
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The average BP reading on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for a 59-year-old Caucasian man is 152/96 mmHg (ABPM).The first-line drug treatment for this patient would be which of the following? Please only choose ONE answer.
Your Answer: Amlodipine
Explanation:An ambulatory blood pressure reading of >150/95 is classified as stage 2 hypertension, according to the NICE care pathway for hypertension, and the patient should be treated with an antihypertensive drug.A calcium-channel blocker, such as amlodipine, would be the most appropriate medication for a 59-year-old Caucasian man.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 76
Incorrect
-
A 59-year-old man presents to the emergency room with chest pain. The cardiology team recently discharged him. He underwent a procedure and was given several medications, including abciximab, during his stay. Which of the following statements about abciximab is correct?
Your Answer: It is contra-indicated in chronic renal insufficiency
Correct Answer: The platelet count should be checked 2-4 hours after starting treatment
Explanation:Abciximab (ReoPro) is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist that is a chimeric monoclonal antibody. It is primarily used during and after coronary artery procedures such as angioplasty to inhibit platelet aggregation.It’s approved for use as a supplement to heparin and aspirin in high-risk patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention to prevent ischaemic complications. Only one dose of abciximab should be given (to avoid additional risk of thrombocytopenia).
Before using, it is recommended that baseline prothrombin time, activated clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit be measured. 12 and 24 hours after starting treatment, haemoglobin and haematocrit should be measured again, as should platelet count 2-4 hours and 24 hours after starting treatment.
When used for high-risk patients undergoing angioplasty, the EPIC trial found that abciximab reduced the risk of death, myocardial infarction, repeat angioplasty, bypass surgery, and balloon pump insertion.The use of abciximab is contraindicated in the following situations:
Internal bleeding is present.
Within the last two months, you’ve had major surgery, intracranial surgery, or trauma.
Stroke in the previous two yearsIntracranial tumour
Aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation
Haemorrhagic diathesis
Vasculitis
Retinopathy caused by hypertension
The following are some of the most common abciximab side effects:
Manifestations of bleeding
Bradycardia
Back ache
Pain in the chest
Vomiting and nausea
Pain at the puncture site
Thrombocytopenia
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 77
Correct
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A 6-year-old girl is brought into the paediatric emergency room by her mother in a state of high-grade fever and extreme irritability. She is also reluctant to urinate as it is associated with lower abdominal pain and stinging. She has no history of any UTIs requiring antibiotics in the past 12 months. The urine sensitivity test report is still unavailable. A clean catch urine sample is taken for urine dipstick, which reveals the presence of blood, protein, leukocytes and nitrites. Fresh blood tests were sent, and her estimated GFR is calculated to be 40 ml/minute. Out of the following, which antibiotic is most appropriate to be prescribed to this patient?
Your Answer: Trimethoprim
Explanation:The NICE guidelines for children and young people under 16 years lower UTIs are:1. Get a urine sample before antibiotics are taken, and do a dipstick test OR send for culture and susceptibility2. Assess and manage children under 5 with lower UTI with fever as recommended in the NICE guideline on fever in under 5s.3. Prescribe an immediate antibiotic prescription and take into account the previous urine culture and susceptibility results, previous antibiotic use, which may have led to resistant bacteria4. If urine culture and susceptibility report is sent- Review the choice of antibiotic when the results are available AND- change the antibiotic according to susceptibility results if the bacteria are resistant and symptoms are not improving, using a narrow-spectrum antibiotic wherever possibleThe choice of antibiotics for non-pregnant young people under 16 years with lower UTI is summarised below:1. Children under 3 months:- Refer to paediatric specialist and treat with intravenous antibiotic in line with NICE guideline on fever in under 5s2. Children over 3 months: – First-choice Nitrofurantoin ā if eGFR >45 ml/minuteTrimethoprim ā (if low risk of resistance*)- Second-choice (no improvement in lower UTI symptoms on first-choice for at least 48 hours, or when first-choice not suitable)Nitrofurantoin ā if eGFR >45 ml/minute and not used as first-choiceAmoxicillin (only if culture results available and susceptible)Cefalexin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 78
Incorrect
-
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT. Fick's law tells us that the rate of diffusion of a gas across a membrane increases as:
Your Answer: the thickness of the cell membrane decreases.
Correct Answer: the partial pressure gradient decreases.
Explanation:Fick’s law tells us that the rate of diffusion of a gas increases: the larger the surface area involved in gas exchangethe greater the partial pressure gradient across the membranethe thinner the membranethe more solubleĀ the gas in the membranethe lower the molecular weight of the gas
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 79
Incorrect
-
A GP is considering prescribing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for pain relief for a patient with a knee injuryWhich of these statements about NSAIDs is NOT true?
Your Answer: Only approximately 60% of patients will respond to any given NSAID
Correct Answer: Side effects are less commonly seen with indomethacin than naproxen
Explanation:Most NSAIDs act as non-selective inhibitors of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX). They inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 isoenzymes. Only about 60% of patients will respond to any given NSAID.It can take 21 days of treatment for a clinically appreciable reduction in inflammation to be apparent. If no improvement is seen after 21 days, the NSAID should be changed.The use of NSAIDs in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy is associated with the following risks: delayed onset of labour, premature closure of ductus arteriosus and foetal kernicterus.Side effects are lowest in Ibuprofen and highest in indomethacin. so side effects are more commonly seen with indomethacin than naproxen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 80
Incorrect
-
An 82-year-old woman was brought in an ambulance to the Emergency Department with a 1-hour history of left-sided weakness and dysphasia. A CT scan is performed, and primary intracerebral haemorrhage is excluded as a possible cause. She is prepared for thrombolysis when her blood pressure is recorded at 200/115 mmHg.Out of the following, which step would be the most appropriate as the next step in her management?
Your Answer: Losartan 50 mg PO
Correct Answer: Labetalol 10 mg IV
Explanation:A patient suffering from acute ischemic stroke can commonly present with hypertensive emergencies. Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in a patient with:1. Systolic blood pressure greater than 185 mmHg2. Diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHgBut delaying thrombolytic therapy is associated with increased morbidity in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Managing high blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke requires a slower and more controlled reduction in BP. In the presence of an ischaemic stroke, rapid reduction of MAP can compromise blood flow, causing further ischemia and worsening of the neurological deficit.Intravenous labetalol is the agent of choice. The dose is 10 mg IV over 1-2 minutes. This dose can be repeated, or an infusion can be set up that runs at 2-8 mg/minute. Thrombolysis can be performed once the blood pressure is brought down to less than 180/105 mmHg.A nitrate infusion (for example, Isoket) can be used as an alternative in patients with contraindications to the use of beta-blockers (e.g., asthma, heart block, cardiac failure).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 81
Incorrect
-
A 25-year-old patient requires procedural sedation for reduction of an open fracture of his tibia and fibula. You plan on using ketamine as the sedative agent.Ketamine works as a result of action on what type of receptor? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Kainate
Correct Answer: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
Explanation:Ketamine is the only anaesthetic agent available that has analgesic, hypnotic, and amnesic properties. When used correctly it is a very useful and versatile drug.Ketamine acts by non-competitive antagonism of the NMDA receptor Ca2+ channel pore and also inhibits NMDA receptor activity by interaction with the phencyclidine binding site.Ketamine can be used intravenously and intramuscularly. The intramuscular dose is 10 mg/kg, and when used by this route, it acts within 2-8 minutes and has a duration of action of 10-20 minutes. The intravenous dose is 1.5-2 mg/kg administered over a period of 60 seconds. When used intravenously, it acts within 30 seconds and has a duration of action of 5-10 minutes. Ketamine is also effective when administered orally, rectally, and nasally.Ketamine causes tachycardia, an increase in blood pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac output, secondary to an increase in sympathetic tone. Baroreceptor function is well maintained, and arrhythmias are uncommon.The main disadvantage to the use of ketamine is the high incidence of hallucinations, nightmares, and other transient psychotic effects. These can be reduced by the co-administration of a benzodiazepine, such as diazepam or midazolam.The main side effects of ketamine are:Nausea and vomitingHypertensionNystagmusDiplopiaRash
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 82
Incorrect
-
The big toe of a 59-year-oldĀ femaleĀ is red, hot, and swollen. The patient is diagnosed with acute gout. You intend to start her on a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). Her husbandĀ was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, and she is apprehensive about the potential adverse effects of NSAIDs.Which of the following NSAIDs has the lowest chance of causing side effects?Ā
Your Answer: Diclofenac
Correct Answer: Ibuprofen
Explanation:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) have slight differences in anti-inflammatory activity, but there is a lot of diversity in individual response and tolerance to these treatments. Approximately 60% of patients will respond to any NSAID; those who do not respond to one may well respond to another. Pain relief begins soon after the first dose, and a full analgesic effect should be achieved within a week, whereas an anti-inflammatory effect may take up to three weeks to achieve (or to be clinically assessable). If the desired results are not reached within these time frames, another NSAID should be attempted.By inhibiting the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, NSAIDs limit the generation of prostaglandins. They differ in their selectivity for inhibiting various types of cyclo-oxygenase; selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-2 is linked to reduced gastrointestinal discomfort. Susceptibility to gastrointestinal effects is influenced by a number of different parameters, and an NSAID should be chosen based on the frequency of side effects.Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic propionic acid derivative. Although it has fewer side effects than other non-selective NSAIDs, its anti-inflammatory properties are less effective. For rheumatoid arthritis, daily doses of 1.6 to 2.4 g are required, and it is contraindicated for illnesses characterized by inflammation, such as acute gout.Because it combines strong efficacy with a low incidence of adverse effects, Naproxen is one of the top choices. It is more likely to cause negative effectsĀ than ibuprofen.Similar to ibuprofen, ketoprofen and diclofenac have anti-inflammatory characteristics, however they have additional negative effects.Indomethacin has a similar or better effect to naproxen, however it comes with a lot of side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 83
Incorrect
-
Stimulation of J receptors located on alveolar and bronchial walls results in all of the following EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Relaxation of skeletal muscle
Correct Answer: Tachycardia
Explanation:Juxtapulmonary or ‘J’ receptors are located on alveolar and bronchial walls close to the capillaries. Their afferents are small unmyelinated C-fibres or myelinated nerves in the vagus nerve. Activation causes depression of somatic and visceral activity by producing apnoea or rapid shallow breathing, a fall in heart rate and blood pressure, laryngeal constriction and relaxation of skeletal muscles via spinal neurones. J receptors are stimulated by increased alveolar wall fluid, pulmonary congestion and oedema, microembolism and inflammatory mediators. J receptors are thought to be involved in the sensation of dyspnoea in lung disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 84
Incorrect
-
Which of the following antibiotics may be used for malaria prophylaxis:
Your Answer: Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Correct Answer: Doxycycline
Explanation:Doxycycline may be used for malaria prophylaxis and as an adjunct to quinine in the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 85
Incorrect
-
A 55-year-old female is urgently rushed into the Emergency Department as she complains of chest pain that is worse on breathing, shortness of breath, palpitations, and haemoptysis. She undergoes a CT pulmonary angiogram, which reveals a large pulmonary embolus. She is immediately started on heparin and shifted to the acute medical ward.Which of the following statements is true regarding heparin?
Your Answer: It is more effective than its low-molecular-weight derivates in preventing mortality from thrombosis
Correct Answer: It activates antithrombin III
Explanation:Heparin is a polymer of glycosaminoglycan. It occurs naturally and is found in mast cells. Clinically, it is used in two forms:1. Unfractionated: widely varying polymer chain lengths2. Low molecular weight: Smaller polymers only Heparin works by binding to and activating the enzyme inhibitor antithrombin III. Antithrombin III inactivates thrombin (factor IIa) by forming a 1:1 complex with thrombin. The heparin-antithrombin III complex also inhibits factor Xa and some other proteases involved with clotting. The heparin-ATIII complex can also inactivate IX, XI, XII, and plasmin.Heparin is not thrombolytic or fibrinolytic. It prevents the progression of existing clots by inhibiting further clotting. The lysis of existing clots relies on endogenous thrombolytics.Heparin is used for:1. Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism2. Treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation3. Treatment of fat embolism4. Priming of haemodialysis and cardiopulmonary bypass machinesThere is no evidence that heparin is superior to low-molecular-weight heparins in preventing mortality from thrombosis.Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin but not heparin. For heparin, protamine sulphate is used to counteract its effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 86
Incorrect
-
You've been summoned to your Emergency Department resuscitation area to see a patient. You consider giving him an atropine shot because he is severely bradycardic.Which of the following statements about the use of atropine is correct?
Your Answer: It should be used routinely in the management of PEA cardiac arrest
Correct Answer: It blocks the effects of the vagus nerve on both the SA and AV nodes
Explanation:At muscarinic receptors, atropine blocks the action of the parasympathetic neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As a result, it inhibits the vagus nerve’s effects on both the SA and AV nodes, increasing sinus automaticity and facilitating AV node conduction.At muscarinic receptors, atropine blocks the action of the parasympathetic neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As a result, it inhibits the vagus nerve’s effects on both the SA and AV nodes, increasing sinus automaticity and facilitating AV node conduction.The most common cause of asystole during cardiac arrest is primary myocardial pathology, not excessive vagal tone, and there is no evidence that atropine is helpful in the treatment of asystole or PEA. As a result, it is no longer included in the ALS algorithm’s non-shockable section. Atropine is most commonly used in the peri-arrest period. It is used to treat bradycardia (sinus, atrial, or nodal) or AV block when the patient’s haemodynamic condition is compromised by the bradycardia.If any of the following adverse features are present, the ALS bradycardia algorithm recommends a dose of 500 mcg IV:ShockSyncopeMyocardial ischaemiaHeart failureAtropine is also used for the following purposes:Topically as a cycloplegic and mydriatic to the eyesTo cut down on secretions (e.g. in anaesthesia)Organophosphate poisoning is treated withAtropine’s side effects are dose-dependent and include:Mouth is parchedVomiting and nauseaVision is hazyRetention of urineTachyarrhythmiasIt can also cause severe confusion and hallucinations in patients, especially the elderly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 87
Incorrect
-
What is the mechanism of action of captopril:
Your Answer: Angiotensin II receptor blocker
Correct Answer: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
Explanation:Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 88
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is an adverse effect of carbamazepine:
Your Answer: Hypernatraemia
Correct Answer: Aplastic anaemia
Explanation:Common adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, sedation, dizziness, headache, blurred vision and ataxia. TheseĀ adverse effects are dose related and are most common at the start of treatment.Other adverse effects include:Allergic skin reactions (and rarely, more serious dermatological conditions)Hyponatraemia (avoid concomitant use with diuretics)Leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and other blood disorders including aplastic anaemiaHepatic impairment
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 89
Incorrect
-
For which of the following infections is phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) primarily used?
Your Answer: Infected eczema
Correct Answer: Streptococcal tonsillitis
Explanation:Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) is less active than benzylpenicillin but both have similar antibacterial spectrum. Because penicillin V is gastric-acid stable, it is suitable for oral administration, but should not be used for serious infections as absorption can be unpredictable and plasma concentrations can be variable. Its uses are:1. mainly for respiratory tract infections in children2. for streptococcal tonsillitis 3. for continuing treatment after one or more injections of benzylpenicillin when clinical response has begun. 4. for prophylaxis against streptococcal infections following rheumatic fever and against pneumococcal infections following splenectomy or in sickle-cell disease. It should not be used for meningococcal or gonococcal infections.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 90
Incorrect
-
The triage nurse asks if you will prescribe a dose of codeine phosphate for a patient who is in a lot of pain. You discover that you are unable to prescribe it due to a contra-indication after evaluating the patient.The use of codeine phosphate is contraindicated in which of the following situations?
Your Answer: Heart failure
Correct Answer: Age under 12 years
Explanation:Codeine phosphate is a mild opiate that can be used to treat mild to moderate pain when other pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have failed. It can also be used to treat diarrhoea and coughs that are dry or painful.The use of all opioids is contraindicated for the following reasons:Respiratory depression (acute)Patients who are comatoseHead injury (opioid analgesics impair pupillary responses, which are crucial for neurological evaluation)Intracranial pressure has risen (opioid analgesics interfere with pupillary responses vital for neurological assessment)There’s a chance you’ll get paralytic ileus.The use of codeine phosphate is contraindicated in the following situations:Because of the significant risk of respiratory side effects in children under the age of 12, it is not recommended for children under the age of 12.Patients of any age who have been identified as ultra-rapid codeine metabolizers (CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers)Because codeine can pass through breast milk to the baby and because mothers’ ability to metabolise codeine varies greatly, it is especially dangerous in breastfeeding mothers.If other painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, fail to relieve acute moderate pain in children over the age of 12, codeine should be used. In children with obstructive sleep apnoea who received codeine after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, a significant risk of serious and life-threatening adverse reactions has been identified.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 91
Incorrect
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A 28-year-old patient who has been in a car accident needs to be intubated using a rapid sequence induction. As an induction agent, you intend to use etomidate.Etomidate works by interacting with which type of receptor?
Your Answer: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
Correct Answer: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Explanation:Etomidate is a carboxylated imidazole derivative with a short half-life that is primarily used to induce anaesthesia.It is thought to modulate fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system by acting on GABA type A receptors.The dose for anaesthesia induction is 0.3 mg/kg. Etomidate takes 10-65 seconds to take effect after an intravenous injection, and it lasts 6-8 minutes. With repeated administration, the effects are non-cumulative.The relative cardiovascular stability of etomidate is noteworthy. During induction, it causes less hypotension than thiopental sodium and propofol. It’s also linked to a quick recovery without the hangover.Etomidate is a strong steroidogenesis inhibitor. The drug inhibits the enzymes responsible for adrenal 11 beta-hydroxylase and cholesterol cleavage, resulting in a decrease in cortisol and aldosterone synthesis for up to 24 hours after administration. It should not be used to maintain anaesthesia because of the adrenocortical suppression.Other side effects associated with etomidate use include:Vomiting and nauseaThe injection causes pain (in up to 50 percent )Phlebitis and thrombosis of the veinsHeart block and arrhythmiasHyperventilationApnoea and respiratory depressionIt has the potential to cause both hypo- and hypertension.Critically ill patients have a higher mortality rate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 92
Incorrect
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A 21 year old student presents to the emergency room with severe acute asthma. Salbutamol and ipratropium bromide nebuliser are prescribed. The most appropriate dose of salbutamol that should be prescribed initially for this patient is which of the following?
Your Answer: 0.5 mcg every 10 - 20 minutes
Correct Answer: 5 mg every 15 - 30 minutes
Explanation:The first line treatment for acute asthma is high-dose inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists like salbutamol or terbutaline. Oxygen use should be reserved for hypoxemic patients in order to maintain oxygen saturations of 94 – 98%. In patients with moderate to severe asthma, a pressurised metered dose inhaler with spacer device is preferred (4 puffs initially, followed by 2 puffs every 2 minutes according to response, up to 10 puffs, whole process repeated every 10 ā 20 minutes if necessary). For patients with life-threatening features or poorly responsive severe asthma, the oxygen-driven nebuliser route is recommended (salbutamol 5 mg at 15 – 30 minute intervals). In patients with severe acute asthma that is poorly responsive to initial bolus dose, continuous nebulisation should be considered (salbutamol at 5 – 10 mg/hour). For those in whom inhaled therapy cannot be used reliably, the intravenous route is usually reserved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 93
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old female has presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain, palpitations, and breathlessness complaints. On ECG, she is diagnosed with ventricular arrhythmia and is administered lidocaine. Which of the following is the correct mechanism of action of lidocaine?
Your Answer: Inhibits the Na/K ATPase in cardiac myocytes
Correct Answer: Blocks Na+ channels in the heart
Explanation:Lidocaine is a tertiary amide local anaesthetic and also a class IV antiarrhythmic.Like other local anaesthetics, lidocaine works on the voltage-gated sodium ion channel on the nerve cell membranes. It works in the following steps:1. diffuses through neural sheaths and the axonal membrane into the axoplasm2. binds fast voltage-gated Na+ channels in the neuronal cell membrane and inactivates them3. With sufficient blockage, the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron will not depolarise and will be unable to transmit an action potential, thereby preventing the transmission of pain signalsThe same principle applies to Lidocaine’s actions in the heart as it blocks the sodium channels in the conduction system and the myocardium. This raises the threshold for depolarizing, making it less likely for the heart to initiate or conduct any action potential that can cause arrhythmia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 94
Incorrect
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You've been summoned to a young man in the resus area who is experiencing an SVT. You decide to use adenosine after trying several vagal manoeuvres without success.Which of the following is the correct adenosine mechanism of action?
Your Answer: Inhibits the Na/K ATPase in cardiac myocytes
Correct Answer: Opens K + channels in the heart
Explanation:The purine nucleoside adenosine is used to diagnose and treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Adenosine works by stimulating A1-adenosine receptors and opening potassium channels that are sensitive to acetylcholine. This causes the atrioventricular (AV) node’s cell membrane to become hyperpolarized, slowing conduction by inhibiting calcium channels.Patients who have had a heart transplant are extremely sensitive to the effects of adenosine and should start with a lower dose of 3 mg, then 6 mg, and finally 12 mg.Dipyridamole potentiates the effects of adenosine, so it should be used with caution in patients who are taking it.The use of adenosine is contraindicated in the following situations:AsthmaCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)Decompensated heart failureĀ Long QT syndromeAV block in the second or third degreeSinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become (unless pacemaker fitted)Hypotension that is severe
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 95
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a typical side effect of thiopental sodium:
Your Answer: Seizures
Explanation:Extravasation of thiopental during injection can lead to tissue damage. Accidental intra-arterial injection causes vasospasm and may lead to thrombosis and tissue necrosis. Other side effects include involuntary muscle movements on induction, cough and laryngospasm, arrhythmias, hypotension, headache and hypersensitivity reactions. Thiopental sodium has anticonvulsant properties and does not cause seizures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 96
Incorrect
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Regarding fibrinolytics, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Further embolism may occur either due to clots that break away from the original thrombus or to cholesterol crystal emboli.
Correct Answer: Fibrinolytic drugs act as thrombolytics by directly degrading the fibrin mesh and so breaking up thrombi.
Explanation:Fibrinolytic drugs act as thrombolytics by activating plasminogen to form plasmin, which degrades fibrin and so breaks up thrombi.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 97
Incorrect
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Regarding amoxicillin, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: It has a similar antibacterial spectrum to ampicillin.
Correct Answer: It is used first line for bacterial tonsillitis.
Explanation:Amoxicillin is a derivative of ampicillin and has a similar antibacterial spectrum. It is better absorbed than ampicillin when given orally, producing higher plasma and tissue concentrations; unlike ampicillin, absorption is not affected by the presence of food in the stomach. The adverse effects of amoxicillin are mainly gastrointestinal and mild and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Amoxicillin is used first line for low to moderate severity community acquired pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, for acute otitis media, for acute sinusitis, for oral infections/dental abscess, for Listeria meningitis (in combination with another antibiotic), for infective endocarditis (in combination with another antibiotic) and for H. Pylori eradication (in combination with metronidazole/clarithromycin and a PPI). Penicillin V is used first line for bacterial tonsillitis; amoxicillin should be avoided in blind treatment of a sore throat as there is a high risk of a rash if glandular fever is present.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 98
Correct
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The second generation antihistamine, cetirizine is a less-sedating antihistamine than the older antihistamine, chlorphenamine because:
Your Answer: It is less lipid-soluble so less able to cross the blood brain barrier.
Explanation:All older antihistamines such as chlorphenamine cause sedation.Ā The newer antihistamines e.g. cetirizine cause less sedation and psychomotor impairment than the older antihistamines because they are much less lipid soluble and penetrate the blood brain barrier only to a slight extent.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 99
Incorrect
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Regarding the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), insulin should initially be given:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: At a concentration of 1 unit/mL at a fixed rate of 0.1 units/kg/hour
Explanation:An intravenous insulin infusion should be started at a concentration of 1 unit/mL, at a fixed rate of 0.1 units/kg/hour. Established subcutaneous long-acting insulin therapy should be continued concomitantly. Blood ketone and blood glucose concentrations should be checked hourly and the insulin infusion rate adjusted accordingly. Blood ketone concentration should fall by at least 0.5 mmol/litre/hour and blood glucose concentration should fall by at least 3 mmol/litre/hour.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pharmacology
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Question 100
Incorrect
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Bendoflumethiazide may cause all of the following electrolyte imbalances EXCEPT for:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypocalcaemia
Explanation:Common side effects of thiazide diuretics include:Excessive diuresis, postural hypotension, dehydration, renal impairmentAcid-baseĀ and electrolyte imbalanceHypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypercalcaemia, hypochloraemic alkalosisMetabolic imbalanceHyperuricaemia and goutImpaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycaemiaAltered plasma-lipid concentrationsMild gastrointestinal disturbances
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
