PSA 2 Flashcards
(24 cards)
Why is “insulin 10 units IV stat” a prescribing error?
Insulin should always specify the type (e.g., actrapid) to avoid confusion and errors.
Why is prescribing “co-amoxiclav for a penicillin-allergic patient” an error?
Co-amoxiclav contains amoxicillin, which can cause a severe allergic reaction in penicillin-allergic patients
Why is “amlodipine 20 mg daily” inappropriate?
The maximum dose of amlodipine is 10 mg daily. Higher doses increase the risk of side effects such as peripheral edema.
What monitoring is required for clozapine?
FBC (weekly for the first 18 weeks, then less frequently) to monitor for agranulocytosis. Monitor also for weight, lipids, and glucose.
What needs monitoring in a patient taking ciclosporin?
Renal function, blood pressure, and serum ciclosporin levels (narrow therapeutic index).
What do you monitor for a patient on rifampicin?
LFTs (risk of hepatotoxicity) and interactions with other drugs (strong inducer of cytochrome P450).
What is the first-line treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia?
Piperacillin-tazobactam 4.5 g IV three times daily.
What antibiotic is used for Lyme disease in an adult?
Doxycycline 100 mg PO twice daily for 14-21 days.
What is the preferred treatment for chlamydia in pregnancy?
Azithromycin 1 g PO as a single dose
What is the potassium concentration in Hartmann’s solution?
5 mmol/L.
When is 5% dextrose used as a maintenance fluid?
For patients with no significant electrolyte losses or hypernatremia.
What are the risks of prescribing trimethoprim in pregnancy?
Trimethoprim is teratogenic in the first trimester due to folate antagonism.
What is the main side effect of bisphosphonates?
Esophagitis (ensure patients take them with water and remain upright for 30 minutes).
What are signs of serotonin syndrome?
Agitation, hyperreflexia, clonus, tremor, and hyperthermia.
What is the maximum dose of diclofenac in a day?
150 mg (50 mg three times daily).
How is naloxone dosed for respiratory depression in opioid overdose?
Start with 400 micrograms IV, repeat every 2-3 minutes as needed (max 10 mg).
What is the recommended starting dose of gabapentin for neuropathic pain?
300 mg PO once daily, titrating up to 300 mg three times daily.
What is the preferred anticoagulant in patients with eGFR <15 mL/min?
Unfractionated heparin (dose-adjusted by APTT).
How do you adjust levothyroxine in patients with ischemic heart disease?
Start at a low dose (e.g., 25 mcg/day) and titrate slowly.
What antihypertensives are safe in breastfeeding?
Labetalol, nifedipine, enalapril, or captopril.
Write a PRN prescription for metoclopramide for nausea.
Metoclopramide 10 mg PO/IV every 8 hours PRN for nausea (max 30 mg/day). - PO nausea, IV vomiting
What is the maximum dose of senna in 24 hours?
30 mg (usually taken at bedtime).
What is the treatment for acute adrenal crisis?
IV hydrocortisone 100 mg stat, followed by 50 mg every 6 hours, and IV fluids.
What is the first-line treatment for status epilepticus?
IV lorazepam 4 mg, repeated after 10 minutes if seizures persist.
