Pharmacology Fundamentals Flashcards

The volume of distribution (Vd) of a drug is very large. What does this indicate about the drug's distribution?

Answer: The drug is extensively distributed into tissues

A large Vd indicates the drug distributes widely into peripheral tissues rather than remaining in the plasma compartment.

A client on ACE inhibitors for hypertension complains of a persistent dry cough. This side effect is best explained by accumulation of:

Answer: Bradykinin

ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that also degrades bradykinin; bradykinin accumulation stimulates cough receptors in the airways.

Which type of drug-receptor interaction is reversible and follows the law of mass action?

Answer: Competitive antagonism

Competitive antagonists bind reversibly at the receptor's active site and can be displaced by increasing agonist concentration.

A kinesiologist is working with a client who takes a statin for dyslipidemia. Which exercise-related adverse effect should be monitored?

Answer: Statin-associated myopathy or myalgia

Statins can cause muscle pain, weakness, or in rare cases rhabdomyolysis, which is exacerbated by intense exercise.

A drug with a narrow therapeutic index requires careful dosing because:

Answer: The toxic dose is close to the effective dose

A narrow therapeutic index means small dosing errors can result in sub-therapeutic or toxic drug concentrations.

Which pharmacokinetic parameter describes the time required for plasma drug concentration to decrease by half?

Answer: Half-life (t½)

Half-life (t½) is the time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to 50% of its previous value.

A client with renal impairment is prescribed a renally-cleared drug. How should the kinesiologist anticipate this may affect the client's pharmacotherapy?

Answer: Reduced drug clearance leading to potential drug accumulation

Renal impairment reduces glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, slowing elimination of renally-cleared drugs and risking accumulation.