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.
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Drugs that require refrigeration include:
- A. Insulin
- B. Amoxicillin suspension
- C. Vaccines
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because insulin (protein stability), amoxicillin suspension (post-reconstitution), and vaccines (biological potency) require refrigeration to maintain efficacy, per storage guidelines. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one drug. Choice B is wrong by itself because amoxicillin is just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since vaccines are only one group.
A woman who is pregnant tells an NP that she has been taking sertraline for depression for several years but is worried about the effects of this drug on her fetus. The NP will consult with this patient's psychiatrist and will recommend that she:
- A. stop taking the sertraline now.
- B. continue taking the antidepressant.
- C. change to a different antidepressant.
- D. taper off the sertraline gradually.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because continuing sertraline is often safer than untreated depression, with psychiatric consultation. Choice A is incorrect (abrupt stopping risky). Choice C is wrong (changing not first step). Choice D is inaccurate (tapering not indicated without specialist input).
The parents of a 3-year-old child tell the primary care NP that their child is a very picky eater and they are worried about the child's nutrition. The NP should recommend:
- A. giving the child a daily multivitamin containing iron.
- B. providing small portions of a variety of foods at each meal.
- C. disciplining the child at mealtimes to ensure proper nutrition.
- D. making sure the child's cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering variety in small portions balances nutrition over time for picky eaters. Choice A is incorrect (multivitamin if variety fails). Choice C is wrong (discipline ineffective). Choice D is inaccurate (fortified cereal not enough).
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.
Upregulation or hypersensitization may lead to:
- A. Increased response to a drug
- B. Decreased response to a drug
- C. An exaggerated response if the drug is withdrawn
- D. Refractoriness or complete lack of response
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is correct because upregulation (more receptors) or hypersensitization from chronic antagonist use can cause an exaggerated rebound response if withdrawn, as seen with beta blockers. Choice A is incorrect as increased response occurs during use, not withdrawal. Choice B is wrong because decreased response isn't typical of upregulation. Choice D is incorrect since refractoriness relates to agonists, not this scenario.
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