Basic Pharmacology & Medication Safety - Intermediate Level

Question 1
1. Which of the following mechanisms best explains the action of beta blockers in managing hypertension?

(A) They block beta receptors but primarily act indirectly by inhibiting renin release.

(B) They block L-type calcium channels, thereby dilating blood vessels.

(C) They stimulate alpha receptors, leading to vasoconstriction.

(D) They block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility.

Question 2
2. What is the first-line safety practice to prevent medication administration errors?

(A) Relying on the healthcare provider’s memory for medication details.

(B) Verifying the '5 rights' of medication administration (right patient, drug, dose, route, and time).

(C) Checking only the patient’s name and dose while ignoring route and time.

(D) Rushing to administer medications to avoid delays.

Question 3
3. A patient is experiencing side effects believed to be caused by a new medication. Which strategy is most appropriate to address this issue?

(A) Wait for a battery of laboratory tests before taking any remedial actions.

(B) Review the patient’s medication history and consult a pharmacist to evaluate possible drug-related causes.

(C) Increase the dose to build tolerance to the side effects.

(D) Ignore the side effects, assuming they will resolve without intervention.

Question 4
4. Which drug classification is most commonly associated with anticholinergic side effects?

(A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

(B) Proton pump inhibitors.

(C) Second-generation antihistamines.

(D) First-generation antihistamines.

Question 5
5. When calculating a medication dosage, what is the most critical factor to consider?

(A) Patient age only, as older patients always require reduced doses.

(B) The available stock of the medication in the pharmacy.

(C) The time of day the medication is administered.

(D) Patient weight and clinical condition.

Question 6
6. Which statement best describes drug side effects?

(A) Side effects are always harmful and necessitate immediate discontinuation of the drug.

(B) Side effects only occur when a drug is taken in overdose.

(C) Side effects are unintended responses that occur at therapeutic doses.

(D) Side effects indicate that a drug is ineffective.

Question 7
7. In pharmacokinetics, what does the term 'bioavailability' refer to?

(A) The fraction of an administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation.

(B) A measure of drug solubility in water compared to fat.

(C) The potency of the drug at its receptor site.

(D) The speed at which a drug is metabolized by the liver.

Question 8
8. When monitoring a patient for potential drug interactions, which practice is most important?

(A) Assume that natural supplements do not interact with prescription medications.

(B) Monitor only for side effects without considering potential interactions.

(C) Focus only on prescription medications.

(D) Review the full medication list, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Question 9
9. A patient with renal impairment is prescribed a medication primarily eliminated by the kidneys. What precaution should be taken?

(A) Assume no changes are necessary since renal impairment does not affect drug elimination.

(B) Switch to an intravenous form regardless of side effects.

(C) Increase the dose to overcome possible reduced absorption.

(D) Adjust the dose or monitor blood levels to prevent toxicity.

Question 10
10. Which principle is key to ensuring medication safety in hospital settings?

(A) Implementation of standardized protocols and double-check systems.

(B) Allowing each healthcare provider to follow personalized administration practices.

(C) Relying solely on electronic health records without manual verification.

(D) Using color-coded labels only without other supporting safety measures.

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