SPEX Pharmacology Flashcards
6 cards from real SPEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 SPEX Pharmacology flashcards as text
Which mechanism describes how warfarin exerts its anticoagulant effect?
Answer: Inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, preventing regeneration of reduced vitamin K needed for clotting factor synthesis.
A patient on metformin develops lactic acidosis. Which condition most increases this risk?
Answer: Renal impairment
Renal impairment reduces metformin clearance, causing accumulation and increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.
Which drug class is first-line for managing acute gout attacks in a patient without contraindications?
Answer: NSAIDs
NSAIDs such as indomethacin are first-line for acute gout attacks due to rapid anti-inflammatory effect.
Which antibiotic class inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins?
Answer: Beta-lactams
Beta-lactam antibiotics bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation and bacterial cell wall synthesis.
A patient taking an SSRI is started on tramadol for pain. What serious interaction should be anticipated?
Answer: Serotonin syndrome
Combining SSRIs with tramadol (which inhibits serotonin reuptake) can precipitate serotonin syndrome due to excess serotonergic activity.
Which beta-blocker is considered cardioselective at low doses and preferred in patients with mild asthma?
Answer: Metoprolol
Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that, at low doses, has less bronchospastic risk compared to non-selective beta-blockers.