The point in time on the drug concentration curve that indicates the first sign of a therapeutic effect is the:
- A. Minimum adverse effect level
- B. Peak of action
- C. Onset of action
- D. Therapeutic range
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is correct because the onset of action is when a drug first shows a therapeutic effect on the concentration curve, marking the start of its clinical impact. Choice A is incorrect as ‘minimum adverse effect level' isn't a standard term; it confuses with toxicity thresholds. Choice B is wrong because peak of action is the maximum effect, not the first sign. Choice D is incorrect since therapeutic range is the concentration window for efficacy, not a specific time point.
You may also like to solve these questions
Drugs that are Pregnancy Category C:
- A. Have known fetal risks that outweigh the benefits
- B. Have no adequate studies in pregnant women
- C. Are proven safe in pregnancy
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because Category C drugs lack sufficient human studies, with animal studies showing risk or no data, used only if benefits justify, per FDA. Choice A is incorrect as that defines Category X, not C. Choice C is wrong because Category B, not C, indicates safety. Choice D is incorrect since only B fits Category C.
Pharmacokinetic changes in the elderly that affect drug dosing include:
- A. Decreased renal function
- B. Increased liver metabolism
- C. Decreased body fat
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because decreased renal function in the elderly slows drug excretion, requiring dose adjustments to prevent accumulation, per geriatric pharmacology. Choice B is incorrect as liver metabolism decreases, not increases. Choice C is wrong because body fat increases, not decreases. Choice D is incorrect since only A is accurate.
Drugs that may cause sedation in the elderly include:
- A. Benzodiazepines
- B. Antihistamines
- C. Opioids
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), and opioids (e.g., oxycodone) all cause sedation, increasing fall risk in the elderly, per Beers Criteria. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one class. Choice B is wrong by itself because antihistamines are just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since opioids are only one group.
Risks associated with polypharmacy include:
- A. Increased adverse drug reactions
- B. Drug-drug interactions
- C. Nonadherence
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because polypharmacy raises ADR risk (more drugs, more side effects), interactions (competing metabolism), and nonadherence (complex regimens), per geriatric studies. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one risk. Choice B is wrong by itself because interactions are just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since nonadherence is only one issue.
Passive monitoring of drug effectiveness includes:
- A. Therapeutic drug levels
- B. Adding or subtracting medications from the treatment regimen
- C. Ongoing provider visits
- D. Instructing the patient to report if the drug is not effective
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because passive monitoring relies on patient feedback, like reporting ineffectiveness, rather than active measures like lab tests. Choice A is incorrect as therapeutic levels are active monitoring. Choice B is wrong because adjusting medications is an intervention, not monitoring. Choice C is incorrect since provider visits are active engagement, not passive.