Pharmacology and Medications Flashcards

A patient is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which condition is a contraindication for this medication?

Answer: Renal impairment (eGFR < 30)

Metformin is contraindicated in patients with significant renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²) due to risk of lactic acidosis.

Which of the following is the correct technique when preparing an insulin injection from two different types of insulin in one syringe?

Answer: Draw clear insulin first, then cloudy

The correct technique is to draw clear (regular) insulin first, then cloudy (NPH) insulin, to prevent contamination of the clear vial.

A patient taking warfarin reports eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables. The medical assistant should recognize this may:

Answer: Decrease the anticoagulant effect of warfarin

Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K, which antagonizes warfarin and decreases its anticoagulant effect.

Which drug schedule classification indicates the highest potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use in the United States?

Answer: Schedule I

Schedule I drugs have the highest abuse potential and no currently accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD).

A patient is allergic to penicillin. The provider orders cephalexin. The medical assistant should:

Answer: Inform the provider of the allergy before administering

Cephalosporins share a similar beta-lactam ring with penicillin and carry a cross-reactivity risk; the provider must be notified before administration.

What does the term 'PRN' mean on a medication order?

Answer: As needed

PRN is the Latin abbreviation for 'pro re nata,' meaning the medication should be given as needed based on patient condition.

Which route of drug administration provides the fastest onset of action?

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

Intravenous administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, providing the fastest onset of action of any route.