Nokea
Which of the following statements about the major distribution barriers (blood-brain or fetal-placental) is true?
- A. Water soluble and ionized drugs cross these barriers rapidly.
- B. The blood-brain barrier slows the entry of many drugs into and from brain cells.
- C. The fetal-placental barrier protects the fetus from drugs taken by the mother.
- D. Lipid-soluble drugs do not pass these barriers and are safe for pregnant women.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because the blood-brain barrier, with its tight junctions, slows entry of many drugs, especially water-soluble ones, protecting the brain. Choice A is incorrect as water-soluble, ionized drugs cross poorly due to barrier selectivity. Choice C is wrong because the fetal-placental barrier doesn't fully block drugs—many cross and affect the fetus. Choice D is incorrect since lipid-soluble drugs readily pass these barriers, posing risks in pregnancy.
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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.
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.
Drugs that may interact with vaccines include:
- A. Immunosuppressants
- B. Antibiotics
- C. Antihistamines
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because immunosuppressants (e.g., prednisone) reduce vaccine efficacy by weakening immune response, per CDC guidelines. Choice B is incorrect as antibiotics don't typically affect vaccines. Choice C is wrong because antihistamines lack vaccine interactions. Choice D is incorrect since only immunosuppressants apply.
Drugs that may cause increased adverse effects in women include:
- A. Lipid-soluble drugs
- B. Water-soluble drugs
- C. Drugs that are highly protein bound
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because women's lower lean mass reduces the volume of distribution for water-soluble drugs, increasing concentrations and ADR risk. Choice A is incorrect as lipid-soluble drugs distribute more in fat, not necessarily causing more ADRs. Choice C is wrong because protein binding isn't sex-specific enough here. Choice D is incorrect since only water-soluble drugs align.
Clinical judgment in prescribing includes:
- A. Factoring in the cost to the patient of the medication prescribed
- B. Always prescribing the newest medication available for the disease process
- C. Handing out drug samples to poor patients
- D. Prescribing all generic medications to cut costs
Correct Answer: S
Rationale: Choice A is correct because clinical judgment involves balancing efficacy, safety, and cost to ensure patients can afford and adhere to treatment, which is critical for successful outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as always choosing the newest medication ignores evidence-based practice; newer drugs may lack long-term data or be unnecessarily expensive. Choice C is wrong because distributing samples isn't a sustainable prescribing strategy and may not meet ongoing needs. Choice D is also incorrect since mandating generics could compromise efficacy if a brand-name drug is clinically necessary.