Nokea
An overwhelmed nursing student asks the instructor whether there are any tips that will make learning pharmacology easier. The instructor gives an example of the anticoagulant heparin. The instructor indicates that knowing heparin and comparing other drugs to it will facilitate learning the many anticoagulants. Which approach is the instructor using?
- A. Mechanism of action approach
- B. Generic name approach
- C. Trade name approach
- D. Prototype drug approach
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The prototype approach uses a representative drug like heparin to learn a class (anticoagulants), comparing others to its traits-mechanism, effects, side effects-simplifying study. Mechanism of action is narrower. Generic or trade names focus on nomenclature, not learning strategy. Prototype leverages a familiar example, a proven method for mastering drug groups.
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If you inject a drug with a pH of 6.5 and pka of 8.1 into a tissue with a pH of 7.4, to what extent would you expect this drug to be ionized in the tissue?
- A. over 50%
- B. 50%
- C. under 50%
- D. 100%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The percentage of ionization of a weak acid or base can be estimated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
What is a side effect of Heparin?
- A. nausea
- B. diarrhea
- C. bleeding
- D. bronchospasms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by preventing the formation of blood clots. One of the main side effects of heparin therapy is an increased risk of bleeding. Since heparin inhibits the body's ability to clot blood, it can lead to easy bruising, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, or bleeding at the injection site. Patients on heparin therapy must be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, and their dosage may need to be adjusted to minimize this risk.
The pregnant patient tells the nurse that her prescribed medication is not as effective as it was before her pregnancy. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. This is because your blood volume has increased
- B. Tell me how you have been taking your medication
- C. This is because your baby is receiving part of the medication
- D. Maybe the medication has expired; check the label
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pregnancy increases blood volume (50% more), diluting drugs, reducing efficacy-e.g., lower concentration per unit volume, a pharmacokinetic shift. Asking about administration checks adherence, not cause. Baby receiving drug is unlikely-placental transfer varies. Expiration is a guess, not tied to pregnancy. Blood volume explains the change, addressing her concern.
Which of the following agents exerts its therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis via potassium channel blockade?
- A. Dalfampridine
- B. Donepezil
- C. Riluzole
- D. Bromocriptine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dalfampridine treats MS by blocking potassium channels in demyelinated axons, enhancing nerve conduction and improving walking ability. Exposed potassium channels in MS leak current, impairing signal propagation; dalfampridine's blockade restores function. Donepezil boosts acetylcholine for Alzheimer's. Riluzole reduces glutamate in ALS. Bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, manages Parkinson's. Dalfampridine's unique potassium channel action directly addresses MS's neurological deficit, supported by clinical evidence, making it the correct agent here.
A local municipality is alerted that low doses of carbon tetrachloride have been dumped into the drinking water. A public health alert is transmitted to all residents of this town. Which of the following signs and symptoms should these residents be aware of?
- A. Convulsions
- B. Eye irritation
- C. Nausea
- D. Stupor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbon tetrachloride exposure causes nausea , reflecting GI and hepatic toxicity. Convulsions and stupor occur with high doses. Eye irritation and vomiting (E) are less specific. Low-dose ingestion aligns with nausea as a primary symptom.