Pharmakokinetics Flashcards
With regard to exponential processes:
T/F
When considering a volatile anaesthetic ash-in curve, the rate of increase of the function decreases with time
True
With a volatile anaesthetic wash-in curve the FA/FI ratio (ratio of alveolar concentration/inspired concentration) is plotted against time. As time passes, the graph flattens as the alveolar and inspired concentrations equilibrate. Therefore the gradient of the graph reduces with time and consequently the rate of increase of the function decreases.
With regard to exponential processes:
T/F
Nitrogen washout during pre-oxygenation mist closely fits a linear process
False
With regard to exponential processes:
T/F
Bacterial growth is an example of an exponential tear-away function
True
Bacterial growth starts slowly and rapidly ‘takes off’ in an increasing exponential way - it is a ‘tear away’ function.
With regard to exponential processes:
T/F
When charging a capacitor, the graph of current versus time is similar to a volatile anaesthetic wash-in curve
False
When a capacitor charges, the charge versus time and the voltage versus time graphs resemble the wash-in curves. But, with respect to current, as charging proceeds less electrons are required to attempt to complete the charge and the current therefore falls. The current versus time graph therefore resembles a drug elimination curve.
In mathematics, with regard to exponential functions:
T/F
The term natural is used when the scaling uses base 2
False
The number e is the natural exponential because it arises naturally in mathematics and physical sciences, i.e. ‘real life’ situations. When the term natural is used, the base is e or 2.718.
In mathematics, with regard to exponential functions:
T/F
A natural exponential function can be transformed to give a straight line by usung any logarithmic transform
False
Natural exponential processes need natural logarithmic transforms to produce straight line graphs.
In mathematics, with regard to exponential functions:
T/F
Eulers number is 7.218
False
Euler’s number is 2.718
In mathematics, with regard to exponential functions:
T/F
They describe processes where a variable changes at a rate proportional to how long the process has been in operation
False
Natural exponential functions describe processes where the variable changes at a rate proportional to its own magnitude, not to time.
In mathematics, with regard to exponential functions:
T/F
A rectangular hyperbola is a special type of exponential function
False
Rectangular hyperbolae are conic sections and exponential functions model natural processes; look again at the graphs in the session and compare their features.
With regard to exponential processes:
T/F
They are useful when considering the mechanisms of physiological action potentials
True. Many of the processes surrounding the action potential relate to the difference in charges across the membrane and the capacitance of the cell; they are exponential.
Regarding the time constant, the rate constant and half-life:
T/F
The time constant, tau, is the time taken for the initial value to fall by e
False. The time constant is the time to fall to 1/e or 1/eth of the original value.
Regarding the time constant, the rate constant and half-life:
T/F
The half-life is never longer than the time constant
True. Since the half-life is the time to fall to 50% of the original value and time constant is the time to fall to 37% of the original value , the time constant must be greater.
Regarding the time constant, the rate constant and half-life:
T/F
The rate constant never has any units
False. The clue is in the phrase ‘rate constant’, the units must therefore be the units of rate i.e. per second (S-1).
Regarding the time constant, the rate constant and half-life:
T/F
The half-life is half the time constant
False. The half-life is 0.693 Tau i.e. roughly 2/3 of the time constant
Regarding the time constant, the rate constant and half-life:
T/F
It is necessary to know both the rate constant and the time constant to be able to plot an accurate graph of the function
False. You only need one of the constants to describe the graph, they are all mathematically related.
Regarding τ, k and t1/2:
T/F
τ is the time taken for the initial value to fall by e
False. τ is the time to fall to 1/e or 1/eth of the original value. Go back to page 20 for the three definitions.
Regarding τ, k and t1/2:
T/F
t1/2 is never longer than the time constant
True. Since t1/2 is the time taken to fall to 50% of the original value and τ is the time taken to fall to 37% of the original value, τ must be greater
Regarding τ, k and t1/2:
T/F
k never has any units
False. The clue is in the phrase ‘rate constant’, the units must be the units of rate i.e. per second (S-1).
Regarding τ, k and t1/2:
T/F
t1/2 is half of τ
False. The t1/2 is 0.693 τ i.e. roughly 2/3 of τ.
Regarding τ, k and t1/2:
T/F
It is necessary to know both k and τ to be able to plot an accurate graph of the function
False. You only need one of the constants to describe the graph, they are all mathematically related.
With regard to exponential drug elimination:
T/F
37% of the process is complete in one τ
False. The process is 63% complete in one τ
With regard to exponential drug elimination:
T/F
A bigger k describes a steeper fall in concentration
True. A bigger k describes a bigger slope/height ratio for the graph i.e. a steeper fall
With regard to exponential drug elimination:
τ is equal to t1/2 x 0.693
T/F
False. It is the other way round. t1/2 = 0.693 x τ.
With regard to exponential drug elimination:
T/F
t1/2 is directly proportional to k
False. t1/2 is inversely proportional k.