EFDA EFDA Pharmacology & Pain Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which local anesthetic is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives?
- Lidocaine
- Mepivacaine
- Procaine (Correct answer)
- Articaine
Correct answer: Procaine
Procaine (Novocain) is an ester-type anesthetic metabolized into PABA, making it contraindicated in patients allergic to PABA.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a vasoconstrictor such as epinephrine in a local anesthetic solution?
- Speed up metabolism of the anesthetic
- Increase risk of systemic toxicity
- Prolong anesthetic duration and reduce bleeding (Correct answer)
- Neutralize the pH of the solution
Correct answer: Prolong anesthetic duration and reduce bleeding
Vasoconstrictors constrict local blood vessels, slowing absorption of the anesthetic into systemic circulation and prolonging its duration.
Question 3: Which drug classification includes ibuprofen and naproxen, commonly used for postoperative dental pain?
- Opioid analgesics
- NSAIDs (Correct answer)
- Corticosteroids
- Benzodiazepines
Correct answer: NSAIDs
Ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Question 4: What is the maximum safe dose of acetaminophen per day for a healthy adult to avoid hepatotoxicity?
- 1,000 mg
- 2,000 mg
- 4,000 mg (Correct answer)
- 6,000 mg
Correct answer: 4,000 mg
The maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen for a healthy adult is 4,000 mg per day (4 grams) to prevent liver damage.
Question 5: Which route of drug administration has the fastest onset of action?
- Oral
- Sublingual
- Intramuscular
- Intravenous (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Intravenous
Intravenous administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, producing the most rapid onset of action.
Question 6: What is a common side effect of opioid analgesics prescribed after oral surgery?
- Hypertension
- Constipation (Correct answer)
- Increased salivation
- Tachycardia
Correct answer: Constipation
Opioids slow gastrointestinal motility, commonly causing constipation as a predictable side effect.
EFDA EFDA Pharmacology & Pain Management 1
Which local anesthetic is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives?