Pharmacology worksheet with answers

What is physical dependence on a drug?

1. AThe person takes the drug only when needed
2. BThe drug no longer has any effect, even at much higher doses
3. CWithdrawal symptoms appear if the drug is stopped suddenly
4. DThe person has an allergy to the drug

Which adverse effect can follow long-term use of strong topical corticosteroids?

1. AThinning of the skin
2. BPermanent darkening of the nails
3. CIncreased hair loss on the scalp
4. DThickening of the skin

What is the purpose of the Z-track technique for intramuscular injections?

1. ATo make the injection faster
2. BTo avoid the need to clean the skin
3. CTo allow a larger volume to be given than with a standard injection
4. DTo stop the drug leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue

How should a topical corticosteroid cream usually be applied?

1. AOn broken, infected skin to speed healing
2. BAs a thin layer to the affected area only, as directed
3. CAs a thick layer over the whole body
4. DUnder a tight plastic dressing every night without advice

How does heparin produce its anticoagulant effect?

1. AIt enhances antithrombin, which inactivates thrombin and factor Xa
2. BIt breaks down fibrin in existing clots
3. CIt irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1
4. DIt blocks the vitamin K-dependent synthesis of clotting factors in the liver

Why is a progestogen added to oestrogen in hormone replacement therapy for a woman who still has her uterus?

1. ATo lower the risk of blood clots to zero
2. BTo protect against endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
3. CTo prevent breast cancer completely
4. DTo reduce hot flushes much more than oestrogen alone can

A baby born to a mother on methadone becomes irritable on day 2, with a high-pitched cry, tremors, sneezing and poor feeding. What is the most likely cause?

1. ANeonatal hypoglycaemia from maternal diabetes
2. BVitamin K deficiency bleeding
3. CNormal newborn behaviour
4. DNeonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Why are antipsychotics used with great caution in older people with dementia?

1. AThey are linked to a higher risk of stroke and death
2. BThey are not absorbed in people over 65
3. CThey cause severe hypoglycaemia in older people
4. DThey always cure the dementia and stop all behaviour problems