FRCS Pharmacology in Surgery 2

Question 1

A patient taking clopidogrel requires an elective total hip replacement. According to UK guidelines, how many days before surgery should clopidogrel ideally be stopped?

Accepted Answer

7 days

Answer

3 days

Answer

14 days

Answer

1 day

Question 2

Which intravenous fluid most closely resembles the electrolyte composition of plasma and is recommended as first-line for fluid resuscitation in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Hartmann's solution (compound sodium lactate)

Answer

Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)

Answer

5% dextrose

Answer

Gelofusine

Question 3

Metformin should be withheld before surgery primarily because of the risk of which life-threatening complication?

Accepted Answer

Lactic acidosis

Answer

Hypoglycaemia

Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Answer

Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state

Question 4

Which antiemetic acts primarily as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and is commonly used for post-operative nausea and vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Ondansetron

Answer

Metoclopramide

Answer

Cyclizine

Answer

Haloperidol

Question 5

A patient develops an anaphylactic reaction during induction of anaesthesia. What is the first-line drug treatment and route of administration?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular adrenaline 500 micrograms (0.5 mg)

Answer

Intravenous hydrocortisone 200 mg

Answer

Intravenous chlorphenamine 10 mg

Answer

Nebulised salbutamol 5 mg

Question 6

Which proton pump inhibitor is preferred for use via the intravenous route in the acute management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Omeprazole or pantoprazole

Answer

Ranitidine

Answer

Sucralfate

Answer

Misoprostol