Pharmacology Sample Questions

Question 1

Which of the following is a corticosteroid?

a) Hyaluronate
b) Butorphanol
c) Triamcinolone
d) Piroxicam

Answer 1

c) Triamcinolone

Hyaluronate is a glycosaminoglycan. Butorphanol is a muscle relaxant. Piroxicam is an NSAID.

Question 2

Which type of adrenergic drug is used to treat shock or hypotension?

a) Terbutaline
b) Dopamine
c) Xylazine
d) Epinephrine

Answer 2

b) Dopamine

Terbutaline is used for bronchodilation. Xylazine is used as an analgesic or sedative. Epinephrine is used to stimulate the heart.

Question 3

You are instructing a patient’s owner about administering her pet’s new medication at home. The veterinarian’s directions indicate that the medication should be given “per os q.i.d.” What do these instructions mean?

a) Intravenously, two times a day
b) Orally, two times a day
c) Intravenously, four times a day
d) Orally, four times a day

Answer 3

d) Orally, four times a day

Choice a would be written “IV b.i.d.” Choice b would be written “per os b.i.d.” Choice c would be written “IV q.i.d.”

Question 4

Florfenicol can be administered either intramuscularly or:

a) Orally
b) Intravenously
c) Subcutaneously
d) Topically

Answer 4

c) Subcutaneously

This antimicrobial medication cannot be administered orally, intravenously, or topically.

Question 5

Periactin is the trade name for:

a) Hydroxyzine
b) Cyproheptadine
c) Diphenhydramine
d) Clemastine

Answer 5

b) Cyproheptadine

Atarax is the trade name for hydroxyzine. Benadryl is the trade name for diphenhydramine. Tavist is the trade name for clemastine.

Question 6

Which of the following cardiovascular drugs is a vasodilator?

a) Lidocaine
b) Spironolactone
c) Prazosin
d) Benazepril

Answer 6

c) Prazosin

Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic. Spironolactone is a diuretic. Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor.

Question 7

Which antiparasitic drug can be used to treat hookworm?

a) Pyrantel
b) Epsiprantel
c) Piperazine
d) Praziquantel

Answer 7

a) Pyrantel

Pyrantel can be used to treat both hookworm and roundworm. Epsiprantel and praziquantel can be used to treat tapeworms. Piperazine can be used to treat roundworm.

Question 8

Idoxuridine is administered:

a) Orally
b) Intramuscularly
c) Topically
d) Intravenously

Answer 8

c) Topically

Idoxuridine is an antiviral drug used to treat feline herpes infections.

Question 9

Which type of laxative helps relieve constipation by increasing stool water content and stimulating peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract?

a) Lubricants
b) Bulk-producing agents
c) Hyperosmotics
d) Stool softeners

Answer 9

b) Bulk-producing agents

Lubricants can be used to help make passing stool easier. Hyperosmotics work by drawing water into the bowels which softens the stool. Stool softeners allow water to penetrate the contents of the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 10

Which of the following respiratory drugs is a decongestant?

a) Doxapram
b) Hydrocodone
c) Acetylcysteine
d) Phenylpropanolamine

Answer 10

d) Phenylpropanolamine

Doxapram is a stimulant. Hydrocodone is an antitussive. Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic.