Therapeutic Drug Monitoring And Toxicology

Question 1

What is therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)?

Answer 1

A clinical practice that measures specific drug levels in a patient’s bloodstream to optimize therapy.

Question 2

What is a trough level?

Answer 2

The lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream, measured just before the next dose.

Question 3

What is a peak level?

Answer 3

The highest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream, measured after a dose is administered.

Question 4

True or False: Therapeutic drug monitoring is only used for antibiotics.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

Fill in the blank: TDM is primarily used for drugs with a ______ therapeutic index.

Answer 5

narrow

Question 6

Name one class of drugs commonly monitored through TDM.

Answer 6

Anticonvulsants

Question 7

What is the primary goal of TDM?

Answer 7

To ensure drug efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

Question 8

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a reason for TDM? A) Drug interactions B) Patient non-compliance C) Drug formulation D) Assessing side effects

Answer 8

C) Drug formulation

Question 9

What is the role of a toxicology lab in drug monitoring?

Answer 9

To analyze biological samples for the presence and concentration of drugs or toxins.

Question 10

True or False: Peak levels are typically measured 30 minutes after drug administration.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What does the term ‘drug classification’ refer to?

Answer 11

The categorization of drugs based on their effects, uses, and chemical structure.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The therapeutic range is defined as the range of drug concentrations that achieves ______ without causing toxicity.

Answer 12

desired therapeutic effects

Question 13

What is the significance of measuring both trough and peak levels?

Answer 13

To assess drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

Question 14

Multiple choice: Which of the following drugs is often monitored through TDM? A) Ibuprofen B) Warfarin C) Acetaminophen D) Aspirin

Answer 14

B) Warfarin

Question 15

True or False: TDM can help in adjusting dosages based on individual patient response.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What can a toxicology lab detect?

Answer 16

Illicit drugs, prescription medications, and toxic substances.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The ______ is the point at which a drug’s effect is maximized without causing adverse effects.

Answer 17

therapeutic peak

Question 18

What is pharmacokinetics?

Answer 18

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

Question 19

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a factor that can affect drug levels in TDM? A) Age B) Weight C) Organ function D) All of the above

Answer 19

D) All of the above

Question 20

What is the purpose of a loading dose?

Answer 20

To quickly achieve therapeutic drug levels in the bloodstream.

Question 21

True or False: TDM is unnecessary for over-the-counter medications.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative toxicology testing?

Answer 22

Qualitative testing determines if a substance is present, while quantitative testing measures the concentration of that substance.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: ______ can lead to altered drug metabolism and require TDM.

Answer 23

Genetic variations

Question 24

What does the term ‘half-life’ refer to?

Answer 24

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half.

Question 25

Multiple choice: Which factor does NOT influence a drug’s half-life? A) Drug formulation B) Patient’s age C) Time of day D) Liver function

Answer 25

C) Time of day

Question 26

What is the role of pharmacogenomics in TDM?

Answer 26

To personalize drug therapy based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

Question 27

True or False: TDM is only useful for chronic conditions.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

What is an adverse drug reaction?

Answer 28

An unwanted or harmful reaction experienced following the administration of a medication.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The ______ indicates how much of a drug is available to the target site after administration.

Answer 29

bioavailability

Question 30

What is a common method used for drug level testing in toxicology labs?

Answer 30

Immunoassay

Question 31

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a limitation of TDM? A) High costs B) Complexity of testing C) Variability in patient response D) All of the above

Answer 31

D) All of the above

Question 32

What is the importance of sample timing in TDM?

Answer 32

To ensure accurate measurement of drug levels at the appropriate pharmacokinetic phase.

Question 33

True or False: TDM can help prevent drug toxicity.

Answer 33

True