Pharmacist Flashcards

A ___________ is sodium chromoglycate.

Answer: Mast cell stabilization

Sodium cromoglycate (or cromolyn sodium) is classified as a mast cell stabilizer. It works by preventing the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, from mast cells. This action helps to prevent allergic reactions and reduce inflammation, particularly in conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The treatment for anaphylactic shock is _________.

Answer: Epinephrine

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line and most critical treatment for anaphylactic shock. It acts rapidly to reverse the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis by causing vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and reducing swelling. Delay in administering epinephrine can be life-threatening, making it the cornerstone of emergency management for this severe allergic reaction.

The cause of respiratory acidosis is ____________.

Answer: CO2 retention

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot adequately remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood. This retention of CO2 results in an increase in carbonic acid, which lowers the blood's pH, making it more acidic. Conditions like hypoventilation, COPD, or respiratory depression can cause CO2 retention.

When treating acute gout, indomethacin is the ________ option.

Answer: First

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is considered a first-line treatment option for acute gout attacks. It is highly effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with gout due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Other first-line options include other NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids, but indomethacin is frequently chosen due to its efficacy.

Which applies to the dosage of insulin.

Answer: Everything mentioned

The correct answer, 'Everything mentioned,' is right because all the options describe valid aspects of insulin dosage. An initial insulin dose for type 1 diabetes is commonly around 0.5-0.6 U/kg/day, often split with a larger morning dose. Standard NPH insulin regimens frequently use specific ratios (e.g., 1:1 or 1:2) when combined with rapid-acting insulin. Furthermore, during acute illness or stress, insulin requirements typically increase due to the release of counter-regulatory hormones, necessitating a dosage adjustment.

Which of the following cannot be used in addition to a CNS depressant?

Answer: Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with significant sedative properties, acting as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Combining it with other CNS depressants, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, can lead to additive effects like excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and impaired cognitive function. Therefore, it should not be used in addition to other CNS depressants to avoid potentially dangerous synergistic effects.

Which of the following cannot be applied when utilizing medication therapy to manage hypertension?

Answer: Patients with asthma should not take beta-blockers.

Patients with asthma should generally not take beta-blockers, especially non-selective ones, because these medications can block beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs. This blockade can lead to bronchoconstriction, exacerbating asthma symptoms and potentially triggering severe asthma attacks. While cardioselective beta-blockers are sometimes used cautiously, the general principle is to avoid them in asthmatic patients due to this significant risk.

Select the erythrosine feature.

Answer: Suitable for use by expectant mothers

Erythromycin (likely misspelled as erythrosine) is a macrolide antibiotic that is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is often a preferred antibiotic choice for expectant mothers, particularly when other common antibiotics are contraindicated or less effective. This makes it a suitable option for treating various bacterial infections in pregnant women.

Decide which component is antifungal.

Answer: Gamciclovir

Ganciclovir (likely misspelled as Gamciclovir) is an antiviral medication, specifically used to treat infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Ampicillin and amoxicillin are antibacterial antibiotics. Therefore, among the given choices, Ganciclovir is the only option that is not an antibacterial, and while it is not antifungal, it is the only non-antibacterial drug listed, which might be the intended distinction in a potentially flawed question asking for an antifungal.

What histamine does is ________.

Answer: Stimulates gastric secretion

Histamine plays a crucial role in stimulating gastric acid secretion. It binds to H2 receptors on the parietal cells in the stomach lining, leading to an increase in hydrochloric acid production. This physiological effect is why H2-receptor antagonists (like ranitidine or famotidine) are effective medications for reducing stomach acid and treating conditions like heartburn and ulcers.

Choose the hormone that predominates during the phase of ovulation.

Answer: LH

The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is the primary hormonal event that triggers ovulation. This rapid increase in LH levels, typically occurring mid-cycle, stimulates the final maturation of the dominant follicle and its rupture, releasing the ovum from the ovary. While FSH is essential for follicular development, LH is directly responsible for inducing ovulation.