VTNE Pharmacy and Pharmacology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following accurately describes 'bioavailability'?
- Rate of drug metabolism in the liver
- Fraction of administered drug that reaches systemic circulation unchanged (Correct answer)
- Ability of drug to cross the blood-brain barrier
- Volume in which a drug is distributed in the body
Correct answer: Fraction of administered drug that reaches systemic circulation unchanged
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the systemic circulation in its active form after administration.
Question 2: Which antibiotic class inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins?
- Fluoroquinolones
- Aminoglycosides
- Beta-lactams (Correct answer)
- Macrolides
Correct answer: Beta-lactams
Beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins) inhibit cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Question 3: A technician receives a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance. How long is this prescription valid in most US states?
- 30 days
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- Indefinitely
Correct answer: 6 months
Schedule III and IV prescriptions are typically valid for 6 months and may be refilled up to 5 times during that period.
Question 4: Which drug is the reversal agent for alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as dexmedetomidine?
- Naloxone
- Atipamezole (Correct answer)
- Flumazenil
- Neostigmine
Correct answer: Atipamezole
Atipamezole (Antisedan) is a specific alpha-2 antagonist used to reverse the effects of medetomidine and dexmedetomidine.
Question 5: Which antifungal drug works by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes?
- Metronidazole
- Fluconazole (Correct answer)
- Amoxicillin
- Doxycycline
Correct answer: Fluconazole
Azole antifungals like fluconazole inhibit fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting the cell membrane.
Question 6: What is the primary concern when administering aminoglycoside antibiotics to veterinary patients?
- Hepatotoxicity
- Nephrotoxicity (Correct answer)
- Cardiotoxicity
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: Nephrotoxicity
Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, amikacin) are nephrotoxic; patients must have adequate hydration and renal function monitored during therapy.
Question 7: A 10 kg dog needs a CRI (constant rate infusion) of fentanyl at 5 mcg/kg/hr. How many mcg/hr should the infusion deliver?
- 25 mcg/hr
- 50 mcg/hr (Correct answer)
- 75 mcg/hr
- 100 mcg/hr
Correct answer: 50 mcg/hr
10 kg × 5 mcg/kg/hr = 50 mcg/hr required for the infusion.
VTNE Pharmacy and Pharmacology 4
Which of the following accurately describes 'bioavailability'?