CVA Veterinary Pharmacology Basics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drug schedule classification includes medications with the highest accepted medical use but lowest abuse potential?
- Schedule II
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV
- Schedule V (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Schedule V
Schedule V drugs have the lowest abuse potential among controlled substances and include preparations with limited quantities of certain narcotics.
Question 2: What is the term for the time required for the blood concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%?
- Peak time
- Onset time
- Half-life (Correct answer)
- Duration of action
Correct answer: Half-life
Half-life (t½) is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.
Question 3: A dog receiving NSAIDs should be monitored closely for signs of toxicity affecting which organ system?
- Respiratory system
- Gastrointestinal and renal systems (Correct answer)
- Nervous system
- Lymphatic system
Correct answer: Gastrointestinal and renal systems
NSAIDs can cause GI ulceration and renal damage in dogs, making gastrointestinal and renal monitoring essential.
Question 4: Which route of drug administration provides the fastest onset of action in an emergency?
- Oral
- Subcutaneous
- Intravenous (Correct answer)
- Intramuscular
Correct answer: Intravenous
Intravenous administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream, producing the fastest onset of action.
Question 5: Atropine is classified as which type of drug?
- Beta-blocker
- Anticholinergic (Correct answer)
- Alpha-agonist
- Opioid analgesic
Correct answer: Anticholinergic
Atropine is an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent that blocks acetylcholine receptors, commonly used as a preanesthetic.
Question 6: What does 'PRN' mean on a veterinary prescription label?
- By mouth
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Every night
- Twice daily
Correct answer: As needed
PRN is an abbreviation from Latin 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed' or 'as the situation demands.'
Question 7: Which antiparasitic drug class works by causing paralysis and death of parasites by enhancing GABA activity?
- Benzimidazoles
- Macrocyclic lactones (Correct answer)
- Pyrantels
- Praziquantel
Correct answer: Macrocyclic lactones
Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin) enhance GABA-mediated neurotransmission in parasites, causing paralysis and death.
CVA Veterinary Pharmacology Basics 2
Which drug schedule classification includes medications with the highest accepted medical use but lowest abuse potential?