Pharmacology Exam Mock Questions

Question 1

According to the BNF, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Clozapine during breastfeeding ?

Answer 1

It should be avoided

Question 2

Which ONE of these describes the type of adverse drug reaction when an opioid drug taken whilst breastfeeding results in a neonate with respiratory depression? A, B, C or D

Answer 2

Type A

Question 3

Which describes the passage of a drug between the mother’s plasma and the breastmilk?

Answer 3

An equilibrium is maintained, as the mother’s plasma drug levels increase or decrease so does the drug concentration in the breast milk

Question 4

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which statement best describes the elimination of Warfarin?

Answer 4

It has a mean half-life of 40 hours

Question 5

What reason is specified in the BNF for giving Doxycycline 2 to 3 hours after iron?

Answer 5

Oral iron decreases the absorption of oral doxycycline

Question 6

Which statement best describes the term phase 1 reaction?

Answer 6

The metabolism of drugs by cytochrome P450 enzymes

Question 7

Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is MOST likely to be affected by changes in gastric pH?

Answer 7

Absorption

Question 8

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which statement best describes the pharmacodynamics of oral Atorvastatin?

Answer 8

It is an enzyme inhibitor

Question 9

Which term best describes the term affinity?

Answer 9

How tightly a ligand binds to a receptor

Question 10

Which term best describes an ion channel blocker?

Answer 10

A drug which prevents the movement of ions across a membrane

Question 11

Which statement best describes what the Summary of Product Characteristics advises about the dosing of Ramipril in older adults?

Answer 11

The initial dosing should be lower, and subsequent dose titration should be more gradual

Question 12

Which is most likely to occur with advanced age?

Answer 12

Increased half-life of renally excreted drugs

Question 13

According to the BNFC, what would be an appropriate dose of oral Levetiracetam for a 17 year old boy who weighs more than 50kg, for adjunctive therapy of focal seizures?

Answer 13

250mg twice daily, then increased every 2-4 weeks up to maxiumum of 1.5g twice daily

Question 14

Which statement best describes the development of kidney function in children?

Answer 14

Renal function is low in neonates but reaches full maturity after 6-12 months

Question 15

Which route of administration might lead to reduced absorption in a vomiting child?

Answer 15

Absorption

Question 16

According to the BNF, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Ramipril during breastfeeding?

Answer 16

It is not recommended as alternative treatment options with better safety information are available

Question 17

Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is most likely to be affected by the increase in renal blood flow during pregnancy?

Answer 17

Excretion

Question 18

What reason is specified in the BNF for giving Doxycycline 2 to 3 hours after iron?

Answer 18

Oral iron decreases the absorption of oral doxycycline

Question 19

Which statement best describes the term enzyme induction?

Answer 19

The process by which a drug which increases the production of liver enzymes that metabolise other drugs

Question 20

Which statement best describes the term enzyme induction?

Answer 20

The process by which a drug which increases the production of liver enzymes that metabolise other drugs

Question 21

Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is MOST likely to be affected by changes in liver function?

Answer 21

Metabolism

Question 22

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, describe the pharmacodynamics of oral Mefenamic Acid?

Answer 22

Enzyme inhibitor

Question 23

According to the BNF, what is the mechanism of action of Canagliflozin?

Answer 23

It inhibits sodium-glucose co-transporter 2

Question 24

Describe the term selectivity?

Answer 24

The preference of a ligand for one receptor over another

Question 25

What does the Summary of Product Characteristics advise about the dosing of Gabapentin in older adults?

Answer 25

Dose adjustment may be required depending on renal function

Question 26

Which is most likely to decrease the volume of distribution of a hydrophilic drug in older adults?

Answer 26

Decreased proportion of body water

Question 27

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics for Midazolam for injection, what best describes the half-life of the drug in children aged 3-10 years?

Answer 27

The half-life is shorter than in adults, this is most likely due to the increased metabolism rates in children of this age

Question 28

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Aspirin during pregnancy?

Answer 28

It can be used at low doses if required for obstetric indications

Question 29

According to the BNF, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Clozapine during pregnancy?

Answer 29

If required, use with caution. Neonate should be monitored after birth if used during the third trimester

Question 30

Describe the relationship between the degree of plasma protein binding and whether the drug passes into breastmilk?

Answer 30

Only free drug can enter breast milk, so drugs which are highly plasma protein bound are less likely to transfer into the breast milk

Question 31

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, what relates to the absorption of oral Amitriptyline?

Answer 31

Oral bioavailability is 53%

Question 32

According to the BNF, what happens to the clearance of Mirtazapine if creatinine clearance is less than 40 mL/minute?

Answer 32

Mirtazapine clearance is reduced by 30%

Question 33

Describes the term phase 1 reaction?

Answer 33

The metabolism of drugs by cytochrome P450 enzymes

Question 34

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, describe the pharmacodynamics of oral Mefenamic Acid?

Answer 34

It is an enzyme inhibitor

Question 35

According to the BNF, what is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?

Answer 35

It is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor

Question 36

What is a kinase linked receptor?

Answer 36

A slow acting cell surface receptor which activates intracellular enzymes

Question 37

What is an enzyme inhibitor?

Answer 37

A drug which binds to and reduces the effects of an enzyme

Question 38

Describe what the Summary of Product Characteristics advises about the dosing of Ramipril in older adults?

Answer 38

The initial dosing should be lower, and subsequent dose titration should be more gradual

Question 39

What is MOST likely to be a concern when prescribing new medications for an older adult?

Answer 39

Reduced renal function

Question 40

According to the BNFC, what would be an appropriate dose of oral Paracetamol for a 1 month old with post-operative pain?

Answer 40

20-30mg/kg for 1 dose then 15-20mg/kg every 4-6 hours

Question 41

What best describes the development of drug metabolism in children?

Answer 41

Drug metabolism is low in neonates, increases up to the age of 10-12, then decreases to adult levels

Question 42

What is most likely to reduce the oral bioavailability of drugs in children?

Answer 42

Diarrhoea

Question 43

What does Lipophilic mean?

Answer 43

Tending to combine with or dissolve in lipids or fats.

Question 44

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Ondansetron during pregnancy?

Answer 44

It should not be used in the first trimester as studies have shown an increased risk of oral clefts

Question 45

Which type of adverse drug reaction when a drug taken in pregnancy has adverse effects in the child many years later?

Answer 45

Type D

Question 46

Describe the relationship between degree of plasma protein binding and whether the drug passes into breastmilk?

Answer 46

Only free drug can enter breast milk, so drugs which are highly plasma protein bound are less likely to transfer into the breast milk

Question 47

What does the BNF advise regarding the dose of Trimethoprim in an adult with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 25 mL/minute/1.73m2?

Answer 47

Reduce to half normal dose after 3 days

Question 48

Describe the term volume of distribution?

Answer 48

The volume into which a drug appears to be distributed with a concentration equal to that of plasma

Question 49

Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is MOST likely to be affected by changes in renal function?

Answer 49

Excretion

Question 50

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which ONE of the following statements best describes the pharmacodynamics of oral Mefenamic Acid?

Answer 50

It is an enzyme inhibitor

Question 51

According to the BNF, what is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?

Answer 51

It is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor

Question 52

What is most likely to increase the volume of distribution of a lipophilic drug in older adults?

Answer 52

Increased proportion of body fat

Question 53

What is MOST likely to reduce the absorption of a drug from the gastrointestinal tract?

Answer 53

Diarrhoea

Question 54

According to the BNFC, what would be an appropriate dose of Beclometasone Dipropionate (Clenil Modulite brand) inhaler for prophylaxis of asthma for a 5 year old child?

Answer 54

100-200 micrograms twice daily

Question 55

What best describes the volume of distribution of hydrophilic drugs in children?

Answer 55

Volume of distribution is high in neonates and reduces with age

Question 56

What is most likely to affect the bioavailability of intramuscular drugs in children?

Answer 56

Low muscle mass