Proctored Pharmacology ATI Related

Review Proctored Pharmacology ATI related questions and content

Individuals who are slow acetylators (i.e. have a relatively low activity of hepatic N-acetyltransferase):

  • A. Have a prevalence of 15-20 per cent in European caucasians
  • B. Are more likely to develop thrombocytopenia, nephrotic syndrome and rash during gold treatment
  • C. Are more likely to develop hepatotoxicity following halothane anaesthesia
  • D. Are more likely to develop antinuclear antibodies during hydralazine therapy
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Slow acetylators have reduced hepatic N-acetyltransferase (NAT2) activity, affecting metabolism of drugs like hydralazine, isoniazid, and procainamide. In European Caucasians, prevalence is actually 50-60%, not 15-20%, making that statement inaccurate. Gold treatment side effects like thrombocytopenia or nephrotic syndrome aren't strongly linked to acetylation status, but rather to immune responses, so that's less relevant. Halothane hepatotoxicity relates to immune-mediated reactions or metabolites, not acetylation speed. Hydralazine, metabolized by NAT2, accumulates in slow acetylators, increasing risk of drug-induced lupus with antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a well-documented association. Agranulocytosis with clozapine isn't tied to acetylation but to idiosyncratic reactions. The ANA risk with hydralazine is the most accurate, reflecting its pharmacogenetic implications, critical for personalized dosing and monitoring.