Pharmacology worksheet with answers

What does "polypharmacy" mean?

1. AThe use of many medicines at the same time, often five or more
2. BTaking one drug in several different forms
3. CA pharmacy that stocks many different brands of the same drug
4. DUsing a drug at a very high dose

What is the generic name of a medicine?

1. AThe name of the pharmacy that made it
2. BThe chemical formula printed on the packet
3. CThe name chosen by the company for marketing
4. DThe non-proprietary name of the active substance

What is a placebo?

1. AA drug that is only active in the placebo group
2. BA drug that is given at half the normal dose to reduce side effects in trials
3. CA new drug that has not been approved yet
4. DAn inactive treatment that can still produce effects through expectation

While giving medicines, a patient says, "That pill looks different from the one I usually take." What should the nurse do?

1. AGive the pill and check the chart afterwards
2. BExplain that only the staff decide which medicines are given
3. CStop and recheck the order and the medicine before giving it
4. DReassure the patient and give the pill anyway

How should a patient take oral alendronate?

1. AWith plain water on an empty stomach, staying upright for 30 minutes
2. BWith breakfast and coffee to protect the stomach
3. CCrushed into yoghurt with calcium supplements
4. DWith milk at bedtime, then lying down straight away to aid absorption

A patient takes regular paracetamol (acetaminophen) at home. Which teaching point best prevents accidental overdose?

1. AUse paracetamol only on an empty stomach
2. BCheck cold and flu remedies, as many also contain paracetamol
3. CTake an extra dose if the first one does not work within 10 minutes
4. DTake paracetamol with alcohol to improve absorption

The thalidomide disaster of the late 1950s and early 1960s is best known for which effect, and what did it lead to?

1. AHeart attacks in older adults; the start of generic medicines
2. BDeafness in children; the end of animal testing
3. CLiver failure in adults; the ban of all sedatives
4. DSevere limb defects in babies; stricter drug testing and regulation

Which statement about raloxifene for postmenopausal osteoporosis is correct?

1. AIt acts like oestrogen on bone but blocks oestrogen in the breast, and raises clot risk
2. BIt is a bisphosphonate taken weekly with water
3. CIt acts like oestrogen in all tissues, including the breast, and relieves hot flushes
4. DIt has no effect on the risk of blood clots