A few must-knows for the MCQ exam

Question 1

Which drug will reduce the clearance of lithium?

Answer 1

Thiazide diuretics.

Question 2

Which class of drug is used to treat motion sickness?

Answer 2

Anti-muscarinics, e.g. scopolamine

Question 3

Name a benzodiazepine that does NOT have active metabolites.

Answer 3

Lorazepam.

Question 4

Name a local anaesthetic that causes methaemoglobinaemia.

Answer 4

Prilocaine.

Question 5

What class of drug is benztropine?

Answer 5

Anti-muscarinic (anticholinergic).

Question 6

What effect does propranolol have on serum lipid studies?

Answer 6

Causes raised plasma triglyceride levels.

Question 7

What is meant by arterial oxygen tension?

Answer 7

PaO2.

Question 8

What are the basic pharmacodynamics of tramadol?

Answer 8

Weak Mu agonist.
Noradrenaline inhibition.
Serotonin reuptake inhibition, therefore beware of serotonin syndrome in combination with SSRIs.

Question 9

How does timolol work to treat glaucoma?

Answer 9

Beta-blocker, causing reduced production of aqueous humour.

Question 10

How does pilocarpine work to treat glaucoma?

Answer 10

Parasympathomimetic, constricts ciliary muscle.

Question 11

Name an electrolyte abnormality that will increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Answer 11

Hypercalcaemia. Hypokalaemia. Hypomagnasaemia.

Question 12

What effect does digoxin have on the refractory period?

Answer 12

Shortens the action potential and the refractory period due to decreased potassium conductance.

Question 13

What effect does amiodarone have on the refractory period?

Answer 13

Causes QT prolongation, action potential prolongation, refractory period prolongation.

Question 14

What class of drug is diphenhydramine?

Answer 14

Anti-histamine (Benadryl)

Question 15

What is involved in lead-induced peripheral neuropathy?

Answer 15

Impaired extensor function of the upper limbs, with wrist drop.

Question 16

What class of drug are the organophosphates?

Answer 16

Indirect-acting cholinomimetics. Found in insecticide, herbicides…

Question 17

What is the basic pharmacodynamic action of probenecid?

Answer 17

Increases uric acid excretion in urine (used to treat gout).

Question 18

What is homatropine?

Answer 18

An anticholinergic eye drop used to create mydriasis. Note that it can precipitate glaucoma.

Question 19

What are the ion concentrations of CSL (Hartmann’s solution)?

Answer 19

Na: 131 mmol/L
Cl: 111 mmol/:
Lactate: 29 mmol/L
K: 5 mmol/L
Ca: 2 mmol/L

Question 20

What is the osmolarity of CSL (Hartmann’s solution)?

Answer 20

279 mOsm/L

Question 21

What can be used to treat Tourrette’s syndrome?

Answer 21

Haloperidol

Question 22

What is the osmolarity of 0.9% normal saline?

Answer 22

300mOsm/L

Question 23

What are the ion concentrations of 0.9% normal saline?

Answer 23

Na: 150 mmol/L
Cl: 150 mmol/L