Pharmacology worksheet with answers

Free printable Pharmacology worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which of these is a live attenuated vaccine?

  1. AHepatitis B vaccine
  2. BMMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
  3. CInactivated influenza injection
  4. DTetanus toxoid
2.Easy

Statins such as atorvastatin lower cholesterol by inhibiting which enzyme?

  1. AAngiotensin-converting enzyme
  2. BHMG-CoA reductase
  3. CLipoprotein lipase
  4. DCyclooxygenase
3.Easy

Vitamin D supplements support bone health mainly by:

  1. AIncreasing calcium absorption from the gut
  2. BReplacing collagen in bone
  3. CIncreasing calcium loss in the urine
  4. DStimulating osteoclasts to break down bone
4.Medium

Why should a patient rinse the mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid?

  1. ATo make the drug work faster in the lungs
  2. BTo stop the drug being absorbed too quickly into the blood
  3. CTo reduce the risk of oral thrush (candidiasis) and hoarseness
  4. DTo prevent a fall in blood glucose
5.Medium

Which patient should usually not receive a live vaccine?

  1. AA patient with mild seasonal allergies
  2. BA patient receiving chemotherapy for leukaemia
  3. CA healthy 1-year-old child
  4. DA healthy adult nurse who works on a children's ward
6.Medium

Why are many drugs started at lower doses in older adults?

  1. AOlder adults absorb no drugs from the stomach
  2. BKidney and liver clearance often decline, and sensitivity to drugs increases
  3. CLower doses are cheaper for older patients
  4. DOlder adults always weigh more than younger adults, so drugs last longer
7.Hard

An older woman started on an SSRI two weeks ago is now confused, and her plasma sodium is low. What is the most likely mechanism?

  1. ASSRI-induced inappropriate ADH secretion causing water retention
  2. BLoss of sodium through severe diarrhoea caused by the SSRI
  3. CDirect damage to the adrenal glands
  4. DIncreased aldosterone secretion
8.Hard

A patient on long-term prednisolone has been vomiting for two days and could not take her tablets. She is now hypotensive and confused, with low sodium and high potassium. What is the most urgent treatment?

  1. AIV furosemide
  2. BOral prednisolone with a glass of water
  3. CIV hydrocortisone and IV fluids
  4. DIV insulin with glucose only

Answer key

  1. 1. B · MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
  2. 2. B · HMG-CoA reductase
  3. 3. A · Increasing calcium absorption from the gut
  4. 4. C · To reduce the risk of oral thrush (candidiasis) and hoarseness
  5. 5. B · A patient receiving chemotherapy for leukaemia
  6. 6. B · Kidney and liver clearance often decline, and sensitivity to drugs increases
  7. 7. A · SSRI-induced inappropriate ADH secretion causing water retention
  8. 8. C · IV hydrocortisone and IV fluids

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