Pharmacology worksheet with answers

What is the purpose of an enteric coating on a tablet?

1. AIt makes the tablet taste sweet
2. BIt makes the tablet dissolve in the mouth
3. CIt stops the tablet dissolving until it reaches the intestine
4. DIt lets the tablet pass out of the body unchanged in the faeces

Which harmless effect of rifampicin should patients be warned about?

1. ABlue colouring of the fingernails and lips
2. BGreen colouring of the stools
3. COrange-red colouring of urine, sweat and tears
4. DWhite spots on the teeth

In hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose is given mainly to:

1. AReduce fluid in the abdomen
2. BRaise the blood glucose level
3. CStop bleeding from varices
4. DLower the blood ammonia level

Which adverse effect is typical of metoclopramide, especially in young people?

1. ALow blood glucose
2. BExtrapyramidal movement disorders such as acute dystonia
3. CDry cough
4. DSevere constipation

Which assessment is most important before giving a dose of IV morphine?

1. ARespiratory rate and level of sedation
2. BBowel sounds and urine colour
3. CBlood glucose and temperature, checked before each dose
4. DPupil size and hearing

How does heparin produce its anticoagulant effect?

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

A man taking doxazosin for hypertension starts sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. What is the main risk?

1. ABronchospasm
2. BSevere hypertension and a pounding headache
3. CSymptomatic low blood pressure and fainting
4. DHyperkalaemia

A patient on valproate becomes lethargic, starts vomiting and develops jaundice. Which adverse effect should be suspected first?

1. AHypothyroidism
2. BNormal start-up side effects
3. CLiver toxicity
4. DKidney stones