Which of the following agents most commonly causes a maculopapular rash in patients with infectious mononucleosis?
A. Ampicillin B. Cephalexin C. Doxycycline D. Erythromycin E. Sulfamethoxazole
A. AMPICILLIN:
Urticarial rash, not caused by a true penicillin allergy, occasionally occurs in patients taking ampicillin. However, this reaction is much more frequent in patients with infectious mononucleosis, which is a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This reaction can occur in 80% to 100% of mononucleosis patients taking ampicillin. It is most common with AMPICILLIN & AMOXICILLIN. This reaction is also seen in patients with lymphatic leukemia and those taking allopurinol. The maculopapular rash typically appears 7 to 10 days after the start of therapy and remains for several days after the medication is discontinued. The other medications, when taken by patients with infectious mononucleosis, do not produce a maculopapular rash.
Which of the following has prolonged action due to a renal effect?
A. Augmentin B. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim C. Ampicillin and sulbactam D. Penicillin and probenecid E. Amoxicillin and clavulanate
D. PENICILLIN & PROBENECID:
Probenecid inhibits renal tubular secretion of the penicillin-type drugs, prolonging their time in the bloodstream.
Which of the following medications has been associated with gingival hyperplasia, ataxia, and hirsutism?
A. Nifedipine B. Benazepril C. Carbamazepine D. Phenytoin E. Prochlorperazine
D. PHENYTOIN:
Gingival hyperplasia is a condition in which there is an enlargement of the gingiva due to the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. Ataxia is associated with an inability to coordinate the skeletal muscles when performing voluntary movements. Hirsutism is a condition associated with increased hair growth. Phenytoin is a medication used in the treatment of tonic-clonic, psychomotor, and nonepileptic seizures. All of these side effects have been documented in patients taking phenytoin (choice D).
Nifedipine (CCB): treats angina & HTN; GINGIVAL HYPERPLASIA and ATAXIA but not hirsutism.
Benazepril (ACE inhib): commonly used to treat hypertension and has been associated with ATAXIA in a small number of patients.
Carbamazepine (antiepileptic): treats grand mal and psychomotor seizures; it has been associated with ATAXIA but not with gingival hyperplasia or hirsutism.
Prochlorperazine (antiemetic): treats nausea and vomiting; only ATAXIA is associated with this medication.
After an overdose of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, a patient has marked gastrointestinal distress and tinnitus, and is lethargic and confused, with elevated body temperature. The most likely cause of these signs and symptoms is a toxic dose of
A. acetaminophen. B. acetylsalicylic acid. C. diphenhydramine. D. pseudoephedrine. E. naproxen.
B. ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID(Aspirin):
The patient has mentioned marked tinnitus, which is a classic sign for aspirin poisoning. At high salicylate blood levels, the combination of effects leading to respiratory depression (respiratory acidosis) and metabolic acidosis results in the observed pH and electrolyte changes, the anion gap, and hyperthermia.
But note that tinnitus is a classical sign of salicylate overdose!!
Which of the following would NOT be considered a sign or symptom of withdrawal from an opiate?
A. Bradypnea B. Diarrhea C. Piloerection D. Rhinorrhea E. Sweating
A. BRADYPNEA:
The most common signs and symptoms of withdrawal are often opposite to the acute effects of the drug’s abuse. Bradypnea (choice A) would not be expected in a withdrawal situation because bradypnea and respiratory depression are seen with abuse of opiates. In fact, opiate withdrawal signs and symptoms include a mild to moderate increase in the respiratory rate. Common signs and symptoms of withdrawal include diarrhea (choice B), piloerection (choice C), rhinorrhea (choice D), and sweating (choice E).
For the treatment of urinary tract infections, a patient is prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. This agent is believed to exert its antibacterial effect by which of the following mechanisms?
A. Competitive inhibition of para-amino-benzoic acid B. Inhibition of bacterial cell-wall synthesis C. Inhibition of DNA-gyrase D. Irreversible binding to the 30s subunit of bacterial ribosomes E. Irreversible binding to the 50s subunit of bacterial ribosomes
A. COMPETITIVE INHIBITION OF PARA-AMINO-BENZOIC ACID:
Sulfonamide antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, exert their antibacterial effect through the competitive inhibition of para-amino-benzoic acid (PABA), thereby inhibiting folic acid biosynthesis, which is required for bacterial growth. This agent is commonly used for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Interaction of aspirin with which of the following drugs can cause increased bleeding?
A. Triazolam B. Barbiturates C. Ibuprofen D. Coumadin
D. COUMADIN:
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These medications are usually prescribed for relief of fever, pain, and inflammation. An important feature of aspirin is its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. Daily low dose of aspirin prolongs the bleeding time. The combination of aspirin with warfarin (Coumadin) leads to a 1.5 to 2-fold increase in bleeding episodes compared with warfarin (Coumadin) therapy alone. A dose adjustment based on the prothrombin time or International Normalized Ratio (INR) is necessary.
Triazolam, barbiturates, and pentobarbital are safe to take along with aspirin.
Frequent administration of Ibuprofen with aspirin may decrease the effectiveness of aspirin (in preventing heart attacks or strokes). In addition, combining these medications may increase the risk of developing gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. A dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring is required when prescribing both the medications together.
An increase in the cytosolic concentration of norepinephrine in sympathetic nerve endings leads to
A. activation of dopa decarboxylase. B. increased release of norepinephrine. C. inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase. D. stimulation of MAO.
C. INHIBITION OF TYROSINE KINASE:
Tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of NE in sympathetic nerve endings, is subject to feedback inhibition by NE (choice C). In some sympathetic nerve endings (e.g., in the heart), tyrosine hydroxylase is also inhibited via NE activation of prejunctional alpha2 receptors. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH) catalyzes the hydroxylation of tyrosine to L-DOPA. Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (choice A) catalyzes the cytosolic conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine, Dopamine-β -hydroxylase hydroxylates dopamine to norepinephrine, which is methylated to epinephrine (choice B) by phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase. Inhibition of TyrH leads to impaired synthesis of dopamine as well as epinephrine and norepinephrine. An increase in the cytosolic concentration of norepinephrine in sympathetic nerve endings does not stimulate MAO (choice D). Monoamine oxidases inhibitors increase the free cytosolic concentrations of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in neuronal cells and in synaptic vesicles.
All of the following are single-dose regimens for antibiotic prophylaxis of endocarditis during dental procedures in adults EXCEPT one. Which one is this EXCEPTION?
A. Clindamycin (600 mg) B. Amoxicillin (2 grams) C. Azithromycin (500 mg) D. Cephalexin (500 mg) E. Clarithromycin (500 mg)
D. Cephalexin(500mg): Should be 2g.
Oral, as well as IV or IM medications, are to be given 30 minutes to 1 hour before a dental procedure. With respect to dental procedures, all of the listed single-dose regimens for antibiotic prophylaxis of endocarditis (choices A, B, C, and E) are accurate except for cephalexin (500 mg) (choice D). For this medication, the quantity should be 2 grams.
Amoxicillin, Cephalexin: (2 grams)
Azithromycin, Clarithromycin: (500 mg)
Clindamycin: (600mg)
Which antibiotic is never used to treat anaerobes?
A. Metronidazole B. Streptomycin C. Chloramphenicol D. Azithromycin E. Vancomycin
B. STREPTOMYCIN:
Streptomycin enters bacterial cells through an oxygen-dependent process. Therefore, it cannot be used in anaerobic infections. Streptomycin is an inhibitor of the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and is in the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics with neomycin, gentamicin, and amikacin. It is sometimes used as an antimycobacterial. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. It is sometimes used in combination with beta-lactam-type antibiotics.
A patient using NSAIDs for chronic pain develops a bleeding ulcer and suffers considerable pain and blood loss. Which one of the following is most likely to occur if the patient stands up quickly?
A. Bradycardia B. Bronchospasm C. Miosis D. Salivation E. Sweating
E. SWEATING:
Blood loss from any cause will elicit increased sympathetic outflow, as does pain. In a patient who is hypotensive because of blood loss, the act of standing up could possibly increase signs and symptoms of sympathetic stimulation, including tachycardia, bronchiolar dilation, mydriasis, dry mouth, and sweating.
A 12.5 kg child presents to your office with fever and mandibular buccal swelling. An exam reveals an abscessed tooth #T. You prescribe amoxicillin in liquid form. Which of the following prescriptions correctly results in the desired dosage of 40 mg/kg each day?
A. Amoxicillin susp. 250 mg/5ml, 1 tsp Q6h B. Amoxicillin susp. 125 mg/5ml, 2 tsp Q8h C. Amoxicillin susp. 250 mg/5ml, 1 tsp TID D. Amoxicillin susp. 125 mg/5ml, 1 tsp QID
D. Amoxicillin susp. 125mg/5ml, 1tsp QID
The best method for calculating this is to find out how much total antibiotic is required first. A dosage of 40 mg/kg times 12.5 kg body weight results in 500 mg of antibiotic required per day. Let’s see what each answer gives us. Remember that a teaspoon is 5 ml. Choice A will give us 250 mg in a teaspoon and 1 teaspoon every 6 hours (4 times a day) for 1,000 mg total. Choice B will give us 125 mg in a teaspoon, or 250 mg in 2 teaspoons, every 8 hours (three times a day) for 750 mg total. Choice C will give us 250 mg in a teaspoon and 1 teaspoon three times a day for 750 mg total. Choice D will give us 125 mg in a teaspoon and 1 teaspoon 4 times a day for 500 mg total; therefore, choice D is correct.
Which one of the following is LEAST likely to be an effect of histamine?
A. Bronchiolar constriction B. Hypotension C. Activation of type C pain fibers D. Increased gastric secretion E. Decreased capillary permeability
E. Decreased capillary permeability:
The activation of H1 receptors in bronchiolar smooth muscle leads to contraction, which leads to bronchoconstriction, but in vascular smooth muscle relaxation could lead to hypotension. H1 receptor activation increases the firing rate of the C-type afferent pain fibers in the periphery and increases gastric acid secretion. However, the release of histamine is associated with urticaria and edema because of increased capillary permeability, not decreased permeability.
All of the following are common signs and symptoms of withdrawal that an opiate abuser might experience, EXCEPT:
A. bradypnea. B. diarrhea. C. piloerection. D. rhinorrhea. E. sweating.
A. BRADYPNEA:
The time to the onset, intensity, and duration of acute withdrawal symptoms secondary to opiate abuse are influenced by several factors including the amount taken on a daily basis, the length of the drug abuse, and the half-life of the opiate. The most common signs and symptoms of withdrawal are often the opposite to the acute effects of drug abuse. With this concept in mind, bradypnea would not be expected in a withdrawal situation, since bradypnea and respiratory depression are seen with abuse of opiates. In fact, opiate withdrawal signs and symptoms include mild to moderate increases in the respiratory rate (tachypnea). Common signs and symptoms of withdrawal that an opiate abuser might experience include diarrhea, piloerection, rhinorrhea, and sweating. Other common signs and symptoms include coughing, lacrimation, and muscle twitching as well as elevations in body temperature and blood pressure.
Which of the following antihypertensive medications is commonly used to preserve ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure as well as preserve the function of the kidneys of diabetic patients?
A. Atenolol B. Captopril C. Furosemide D. Methyldopa E. Verapamil
B. CAPTOPRIL:
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure, as it has been proven to preserve ventricular function. This agent is commonly used for the treatment of hypertension in diabetic patients, as it has been shown to preserve kidney function.
A patient was given two 1.8ml carpules of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000. How much epinephrine was administered?
A. 0.18 mg B. 0.018 mg C. 0.36 mg D. 0.036 mg E. None of the above
D. 0.036 mg
Each standard anesthetic carpule contains 1.8 ml of solution, which has a mass of approximately 1.8 grams. 1.8 grams equals 1,800 mg. 100,000th of this amount is epinephrine. So we divide 1,800 by 100,000 or 1.8 × 103 is divided by 1 × 105. You’ll get 1.8 × 10− 2 or 0.018 mg (0.018 mg per carpule or 0.036 mg in 2 carpules) (choice D). Hence, choices A, B, C and E are incorrect.
Lorazepam is believed to exert its anxiolytic effects by which of the following mechanisms?
A. Blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors B. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors C. Increasing the release of norepinephrine from central noradrenergic neurons D. Inhibiting biogenic amine reuptake at the presynaptic neuron E. Potentiating the effects of gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA)
E. Potentiating the effects of GABA:
Lorazepam is a sedative hypnotic with short onset of effects and relatively long half-life; It increases the action of GABA, which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Lorazepam may depress all levels of the CNS, including limbic and reticular formation.
A 500 mg dose of a drug has therapeutic efficacy for 6 hours. If the half-life of the drug is 8 hours, for how long would a 1 gram dose be effective?
A. 8 hours B. 12 hours C. 14 hours D. 16 hours E. 24 hours
C. 14 hours:
The fact that the drug has therapeutic efficacy for 6 hours has no direct relationship to its half-life, but simply means that the drug is above its minimal effective concentration for 6 hours. Doubling the dose to 1 gram means that the drug level will be above the minimum for a longer period of time. Because the elimination half-life is 8 hours, 500 mg of the drug will remain in the body for 8 hours after a dose of 1 gram. Thus the total duration of effectiveness will be 8 + 6 = 14 hours (choice C). Hence, other choices A, B, D and E are incorrect.
Which of the following statements regarding beta-lactamase inhibitors is NOT true?
A. Clavulanic acid is the beta-lactamase inhibitor that is combined with amoxicillin in the brand name product Augmentin. B. They irreversibly inactivate bacterial beta-lactamase activity. C. They dramatically improve the effectiveness of a beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillin. D. They possess strong antimicrobial activity. E. They prevent the inactivation of antibiotics sensitive to the enzyme beta-lactamase.
D. Possess antimicrobial activity:
The beta-lactamase inhibitors are compounds that are added to antibiotics to help increase the effectiveness of the antibiotic. The most common beta-lactamase inhibitors are clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam. These compounds possess weak or no antimicrobial activity. Clavulanic acid is the beta-lactamase inhibitor that is combined with amoxicillin in the brand name product Augmentin (choice A). Since they irreversibly inactivate bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes (choice B), they dramatically improve the effectiveness of a beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillin (choice C) by preventing the inactivation of antibiotics sensitive to the enzyme beta-lactamase (choice E).
Which of the following is the most serious potential consequence of ingestion of a petroleum distillate hydrocarbon, such as gasoline?
A. Aspiration of the hydrocarbon into the respiratory tract B. Central nervous system excitation C. Corrosive action of the poison on the stomach lining D. Destruction of digestive enzymes E. Paralysis of peristaltic motion in the intestinal tract
A. Aspiration of hydrocarbon into the respiratory tract:
Hydrocarbons exist in a number of forms, including petroleum distillate hydrocarbons (such as gasoline, kerosene, and lacquer thinner), aromatic hydrocarbons (such as xylene and toluene), and halogenated hydrocarbons (such as carbon tetrachloride). Petroleum distillate hydrocarbons are particularly toxic to the lungs, central nervous system, and intestinal tract. Aspiration of the hydrocarbon into the respiratory tract typically results in aspiration pneumonitis. Respiratory symptoms typically include cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, hypoxia, and cyanosis. As a general rule, all hydrocarbons are central nervous system depressants and do not cause central nervous system excitation. They do produce a corrosive action on the stomach lining; however, this form of toxicity is often mild. Although they do destroy the digestive enzymes of the intestinal tract, this is not a mechanism for significant toxicity. Intestinal toxicity is primarily related to the corrosive effect on the intestinal lining. Paralysis of peristaltic motion in the intestinal tract is typically not seen.
What is the proper cephalexin dosage for a 20-kg child?
A. 300 g B. 400 g C. 500 g D. 1.0 gram E. 2.0 grams
D. 1g
At a children’s dosage of 50 mg/kg, a 20-kg child should receive 20 X 50 = 1,000 mg, or 1.0 gram, of cephalexin. This does not exceed the adult dose of 2.0 grams (choice E). Choices A, B, and C are also incorrect.
A patient who was recently diagnosed with clinical depression is to be prescribed a beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension. Which of the following is LEAST likely to worsen the patient’s CNS signs and symptoms?
A. Atenolol B. Metoprolol C. Labetalol D. Penbutolol E. Propranolol
A. Atenolol:
As a general rule, the more lipophilic the beta-blocker, the higher the CNS penetration and subsequent incidence of CNS-related adverse reactions. These effects may disappear in an individual previously prescribed a highly lipophilic agent when a less lipophilic agent is substituted. The most common CNS side effects of the beta-blockers include dizziness, vertigo, headache, mental depression, peripheral neuropathy, and bizarre dreams. The lipid solubility of the agents listed is as follows: atenolol is low; metoprolol and labetalol are moderate; and penbutolol and propranolol are all highly lipid soluble.
Solubility scale:
Penbutolol, Propranolol: highly lipid soluble
Labetalol, Metoprolol: moderate
Atenolol: low
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used in the treatment of hypertension and has been associated with which of the following?
A. Decreased total cholesterol blood levels B. Hyperkalemia C. Hypernatremia D. Decreased glucose tolerance
D. Decreased glucose tolerance:
Hydrochlorothiazide is known to increase fasting blood glucose, especially in diabetic patients; therefore, this medication decreases glucose tolerance. In diabetic patients, it may be necessary to make dosage adjustments of both oral hypoglycemic agents and/or insulin to maintain euglycemia when taken concomitantly with this medication. Hydrochlorothiazide is associated with increased blood levels of uric acid, increased total cholesterol blood levels, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia.
A young man is prescribed dextroamphetamine; this agent is believed to exert its mechanism of action by which of the following ways?
A. Blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors B. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors C. Increasing the release of norepinephrine from central noradrenergic neurons D. Inhibiting biogenic amine reuptake at the presynaptic neuron E. Potentiating the effects of gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA)
C. Increasing the release of norepinephrine from central noradrenergic neurons: