SBA Pharmacology 10 Single Best Answer (SBA)
1. A 65-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes presents with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The clinician decides to start anticoagulant therapy. Which of the following medications is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that does not require routine INR monitoring?
Answer: C. Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban is a DOAC used for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation and does not require routine INR monitoring, unlike Warfarin. Dabigatran is also a DOAC but Rivaroxaban is more commonly used in this context.
2. A 30-year-old woman presents with major depressive disorder. She has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Which of the following is a common side effect associated with SSRIs like Sertraline?
Answer: B. Weight gain
SSRIs, including Sertraline, are commonly associated with weight gain. Other side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances and sexual dysfunction.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease is being treated for hypertension. The clinician chooses an ACE inhibitor as first-line therapy. Which of the following is a critical side effect to monitor in this patient?
Answer: A. Hyperkalaemia
ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril can cause hyperkalaemia, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is essential.
4. A 50-year-old male patient with osteoarthritis is prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which of the following NSAIDs is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and should be used with caution?
Answer: D. Diclofenac
Diclofenac is associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. It should be used with caution, especially in patients with a history of GI issues.
5. A 45-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes is started on Metformin. Which of the following is a rare but serious side effect that requires immediate attention?
Answer: A. Lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect of Metformin, particularly in patients with renal impairment. Symptoms include muscle pain, difficulty breathing, and abdominal discomfort.
6. A patient with asthma is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid. What is the primary mechanism of action of inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone in managing asthma?
Answer: B. Reducing inflammation and decreasing airway hyperresponsiveness
Inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone reduce airway inflammation and decrease hyperresponsiveness, which are central to managing asthma.
7. A 70-year-old patient is being treated for chronic heart failure with Digoxin. Which of the following signs is indicative of Digoxin toxicity?
Answer: B. Visual disturbances such as seeing yellow halos
Visual disturbances, including seeing yellow halos around lights, are classic signs of Digoxin toxicity. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias.
8. A patient presents with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The clinician prescribes Omeprazole. What is the primary action of Omeprazole in treating GERD?
Answer: C. Inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase pump to reduce gastric acid secretion
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase pump in the stomach, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
9. A 25-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed Methotrexate. Which of the following is a necessary monitoring parameter due to the potential toxicity of Methotrexate?
Answer: A. Liver function tests
Methotrexate can cause hepatotoxicity, so regular monitoring of liver function tests is essential. Additionally, a Full Blood Count (FBC) may also be monitored, but liver function is more directly related to Methotrexate toxicity.
10. A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and started on SGLT2 inhibitor therapy with Canagliflozin. What is a common side effect associated with this class of medications?
Answer: A. Urinary tract infections
SGLT2 inhibitors like Canagliflozin increase glucose excretion in the urine, which can lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
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