PTCB Pharmacology for Technicians 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the mechanism of action of NSAIDs?
- Block opioid receptors
- Inhibit COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis (Correct answer)
- Stimulate serotonin receptors
- Block histamine H2 receptors
Correct answer: Inhibit COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis
NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.
Question 2: Which drug is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?
- Naloxone
- Flumazenil
- N-acetylcysteine (Correct answer)
- Activated charcoal
Correct answer: N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst, Acetadote) is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity, replenishing glutathione stores to prevent liver damage.
Question 3: What is the antidote for opioid overdose?
- Flumazenil
- Naloxone (Correct answer)
- Protamine sulfate
- Physostigmine
Correct answer: Naloxone
Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Question 4: Which electrolyte imbalance is a common side effect of loop diuretics like furosemide?
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypernatremia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics cause increased urinary excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels).
Question 5: What is the main therapeutic use of digoxin?
- Anticoagulation
- Heart failure and atrial fibrillation (Correct answer)
- Hypertension treatment
- Cholesterol reduction
Correct answer: Heart failure and atrial fibrillation
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to improve myocardial contractility in heart failure and control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation.
Question 6: Which drug is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits Factor Xa?
- Warfarin
- Dabigatran
- Rivaroxaban (Correct answer)
- Heparin
Correct answer: Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is a direct Factor Xa inhibitor used for stroke prevention and DVT/PE treatment.
PTCB Pharmacology for Technicians 1
What is the mechanism of action of NSAIDs?