Pharmacology Practice Quiz 3

Answer: B – Liver

Explanation: Acetaminophen is extensively metabolized by pathways in the liver. Toxic doses of acetaminophen deplete hepatic glutathione, resulting in accumulation of the intermediate agent, quinine, which leads to hepatic necrosis. Prolonged use of acetaminophen may result in an increased risk of renal dysfunction, but a single overdose does not precipitate life-threatening problems in the respiratory system, renal system, or adrenal glands.

Answer: B – Viral infection

Explanation: Topical agents produce a localized, rather than systemic effect. When treating atopic dermatitis with a steroidal preparation, the site is vulnerable to invasion by organisms. Viruses, such as herpes simplex or varicella-zoster, present a risk of disseminated infection. Educate the patient using topical corticosteroids to avoid crowds or people known to have infections and to report even minor signs of an infection. Topical corticosteroid usage results in little danger of concurrent infection with these agents.

Answer: C – Paradoxical CNS stimulation

Explanation: Typically, first generation OTC antihistamines have a sedating effect because of passage into the CNS. However, in some individuals, especially infants and children, paradoxical CNS stimulation occurs and is manifested by excitement, euphoria, restlessness, and confusion. For this reason, use of first generation OTC antihistamines has declined, and second generation product usage has increased. Reye’s syndrome is a systemic response to a virus. First generation OTC antihistamines do not exhibit a cholinergic effect. Nausea and diarrhea are uncommon when first generation OTC antihistamines are taken.

Answer: C – aspirin

Explanation: Virus-infected children who are given aspirin to manage pain, fever, and inflammation are at an increased risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. Use of acetaminophen has not been associated with Reye’s syndrome and can be safely given to patients with fever due to viral illnesses. Ibuprofen adverse effects include GI irritation and bleeding, and in toxic doses, both renal and hepatic failure are reported.

Answer: B – Shellfish

Explanation: Some types of contrast media contain iodine as an ingredient. Shellfish also contain significant amounts of iodine. Therefore, a patient who is allergic to iodine will exhibit an allergic response to both iodine containing contrast media and shellfish. These products do not contain iodine.

Answer: D – mumps, measles, rubella (MMR)

Explanation: The measles portion of the MMR vaccine is grown in chick embryo cells. The current MMR vaccine does not contain a significant amount of egg proteins, and even children with dramatic egg allergies are extremely unlikely to have an anaphylactic reaction. However, patients that do respond to egg contact with anaphylaxis should be in a medically controlled setting where full resuscitation efforts can be administered if anaphylaxis results. The vaccines in options a,b and c do not contain egg protein.

Answer: A – immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Explanation: IgE, the least common serum immunoglobulin (Ig) binds very tightly to receptors on basophils and mast cells and is involved in allergic reactions. Binding of the allergen to the IgE on the cells results in the release of various pharmacological mediators that result in allergic symptoms.

Answer: A – aplastic anemia

Explanation: Aplastic anemia is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction and is often irreversible. It leads to pancytopenia, a severe decrease in all cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells make the patient susceptible to infection. And, a reduced number of platelets cause the blood not to clot as easily. Treatment for mild cases is supportive. Transfusions may be necessary. Severe cases require a bone marrow transplant. Option 2 is an elevated platelet count. Option 3 is an elevated white count. Option 4 is an elevated granulocyte count. A granulocyte is a type of white blood ce

Answer: D – Thromboembolic complications

Explanation: Oral contraceptives have been associated with an increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis. These risks are increased in women who smoke. Increased skin oil and acne are effects of progestin excess. Headache and dizziness are effects of estrogen excess. Early or mid-cycle bleeding are effects of estrogen deficiency.

Answer: A – Apnea

Explanation: All items are adverse reactions of the drug. However, apnea appearing during the first hour of drug infusion occurs in 10-12 percent of neonates with congenital heart defects. Clinicians deciding to utilize alprostadil must be prepared to intubate and mechanically ventilate the infant. Careful monitoring for apnea or respiratory depression is mandatory. In some institutions, elective intubation occurs prior to initiation of the medication.