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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1.Easy

Methylphenidate, used in ADHD, belongs to which class?

  1. AOpioid analgesics
  2. BAntipsychotics (dopamine blockers)
  3. CCentral nervous system stimulants
  4. DBenzodiazepines
2.Easy

What is drug tolerance?

  1. AA stronger response each time the drug is taken
  2. BThe ability to take a drug without developing any side effects at all
  3. CA reduced response after repeated use, so a higher dose is needed
  4. DAn allergic reaction to a drug
3.Easy

Which drug is the antidote for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose?

  1. AAcetylcysteine
  2. BVitamin K
  3. CNaloxone
  4. DFlumazenil
4.Medium

When should a patient take a once-daily proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole?

  1. AStraight after a large evening meal
  2. BWith a glass of milk at bedtime, when acid output is highest
  3. COnly when heartburn is severe
  4. DAbout 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day
5.Medium

Which patient should usually not use the combined oral contraceptive pill?

  1. AA 38-year-old woman who smokes 20 cigarettes a day
  2. BA 22-year-old non-smoker with acne
  3. CA 25-year-old woman with heavy periods
  4. DA 30-year-old non-smoker with no medical problems
6.Medium

A man takes finasteride. What should be explained about handling the tablets?

  1. APregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets
  2. BThe tablets must be crushed before swallowing
  3. CAnyone can handle the tablets, as they contain no active drug
  4. DThe tablets must be stored in the fridge
7.Hard

A patient who takes clonidine stopped it suddenly two days ago. He is now agitated, has a headache and his blood pressure is very high. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. AAn allergic reaction to clonidine
  2. BRebound hypertension from abrupt clonidine withdrawal
  3. CClonidine toxicity due to slow excretion by the kidneys
  4. DNormal variation unrelated to the medication
8.Hard

A patient receiving a phenylephrine infusion has a rise in blood pressure and a fall in heart rate. What is the best explanation?

  1. AThe fall in heart rate shows phenylephrine toxicity of the AV node
  2. BPhenylephrine stimulates muscarinic receptors
  3. CPhenylephrine directly blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart's conduction system
  4. DAlpha-1 vasoconstriction raises blood pressure and causes reflex bradycardia

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Central nervous system stimulants
  2. 2. C · A reduced response after repeated use, so a higher dose is needed
  3. 3. A · Acetylcysteine
  4. 4. D · About 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day
  5. 5. A · A 38-year-old woman who smokes 20 cigarettes a day
  6. 6. A · Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets
  7. 7. B · Rebound hypertension from abrupt clonidine withdrawal
  8. 8. D · Alpha-1 vasoconstriction raises blood pressure and causes reflex bradycardia

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