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

How do local anaesthetics such as lidocaine block pain?

  1. AThey activate opioid receptors in the spinal cord
  2. BThey block prostaglandin synthesis at the injury site
  3. CThey block voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes
  4. DThey enhance the action of GABA in the brain and spinal cord
2.Easy

What does "bacteriostatic" mean?

  1. AThe drug prevents the patient's immune response
  2. BThe drug stops bacteria multiplying without killing them directly
  3. CThe drug kills viruses as well as bacteria
  4. DThe drug kills bacteria directly by breaking down their cell wall
3.Easy

In hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose is given mainly to:

  1. AStop bleeding from varices
  2. BReduce fluid in the abdomen
  3. CRaise the blood glucose level
  4. DLower the blood ammonia level
4.Medium

An adult patient is due to receive digoxin. The apical pulse, counted for a full minute, is 52 beats per minute. What should the nurse do?

  1. AGive half the dose and document the pulse
  2. BWithhold the dose and notify the prescriber
  3. CGive the dose with food to slow absorption
  4. DGive the dose and recheck the pulse in one hour
5.Medium

A patient receives lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy. Which finding shows that it is working?

  1. ABetter alertness and orientation, with two to three soft stools a day
  2. BHigher blood ammonia with improved appetite
  3. CTen watery stools a day and a low serum potassium
  4. DNo bowel movement for three days, with less confusion than before
6.Medium

How does clopidogrel reduce platelet aggregation?

  1. AIt blocks the platelet P2Y12 receptor for ADP
  2. BIt inhibits platelet COX-1
  3. CIt blocks the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor directly
  4. DIt activates antithrombin
7.Hard

A patient recently started on haloperidol develops high fever, "lead-pipe" muscle rigidity, confusion and a very high creatine kinase. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. AMalignant hyperthermia from anaesthesia
  2. BAcute dystonia
  3. CSerotonin syndrome
  4. DNeuroleptic malignant syndrome
8.Hard

Why can an ACE inhibitor cause acute kidney injury in a patient with bilateral renal artery stenosis?

  1. AGFR depends on angiotensin II constricting the efferent arteriole
  2. BACE inhibitors are directly toxic to the proximal tubule cells in the kidney
  3. CACE inhibitors constrict the afferent arteriole
  4. DThe drug crystallises in the renal tubules

Answer key

  1. 1. C · They block voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes
  2. 2. B · The drug stops bacteria multiplying without killing them directly
  3. 3. D · Lower the blood ammonia level
  4. 4. B · Withhold the dose and notify the prescriber
  5. 5. A · Better alertness and orientation, with two to three soft stools a day
  6. 6. A · It blocks the platelet P2Y12 receptor for ADP
  7. 7. D · Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  8. 8. A · GFR depends on angiotensin II constricting the efferent arteriole

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