Pharmacology Foundations
True or False: Pharmacology is the science of drugs and their effects on living systems.
True
The fight-or-flight system is also known as which division of the ANS?
Sympathetic nervous system
1 g
What does prn mean?
As needed
Name one aerosol delivery method for albuterol.
SVN or MDI
True or False: Phase I clinical trials primarily evaluate safety and dosage in healthy volunteers.
True
Compared with MDIs and DPIs, one disadvantage of small-volume nebulizers (SVNs) is that they:
Require longer treatment times or rely on an external power source?
Which drug name is standardized and recognized internationally?
A. Trade
B. Chemical
C. Generic
D. Brand
C. Generic
Which ANS branch is associated with SLUD symptoms?
A. Sympathetic
B. Parasympathetic
C. Somatic
D. Central
B. Parasympathetic
How many kilograms is a 22-lb patient?
10 kg
What does qid mean?
4 times daily
Which aerosol device is often preferred for a stable, cooperative adult?
A. SVN
B. MDI
C. DPI
D. ET
B. MDI
Which term describes a medication developed to treat a rare disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.?
Orphan drug
Two patients receive aerosolized bronchodilators. One experiences rapid symptom relief; the other does not. Aside from drug selection, name at least one Week-3 concept that explains this difference?
Aerosol particle deposition and delivery efficiency
Which resource provides official manufacturer-approved information including dosing, indications, and contraindications?
A. Hospital formulary
B. PDR
C. Package insert
D. UpToDate
C. Package Insert
Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system has what effect on the airways?
A. Bronchodilation
B. Bronchoconstriction
C. No effect
D. Increased respiratory rate
B. Bronchoconstriction
A medication is supplied as 5 mg/mL. What is the percent strength?
0.5%
Which part of the prescription contains the directions that appear on the medication label?
Signature
A patient is prescribed a corticosteroid via DPI. Which factor is most critical to ensure effective medication delivery?
Sufficient inspiratory flow of 30-90 lpm
The FDA alphanumeric code “1” indicates which type of new drug status?
New chemical entity
An RT chooses an inhaled route instead of IV for a bronchodilator in an unstable patient. Beyond convenience, what is the primary pharmacologic advantage of this decision?
Maximizing local airway effect while minimizing systemic exposure
Which FDA clinical trial phase primarily evaluates safety and dosage in healthy volunteers?
A. Phase I
B. Phase II
C. Phase III
D. Phase IV
A. Phase I
Which receptor type is primarily responsible for bronchodilation when stimulated?
B2
A medication is supplied as a 1:200 solution.
How many milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) does this solution contain?
5 mg/mL
An order reads:
Albuterol 2.5 mg SVN q4h prn; hold if HR >120.
The patient’s HR is 119 bpm. What should the RT do?
Continue giving the medication until the HR >120
Which particle size range is most effective for depositing medication in the lower airways during aerosol therapy?
1-5 microns
The FDA alphanumeric code includes therapeutic potential ratings. What does an "A" rating indicate?
Important therapeutic gain (or fast-track for AIDS drugs)
When administering a medication via small-volume nebulizer (SVN), which patient factor can most significantly reduce the amount of drug that actually reaches the lower airways?
Rapid, shallow breathing or poor breathing pattern
What term describes medications developed for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.?
Orphan Drugs
Two patients are observed in the ED:
Patient A has increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and improved airflow.
Patient B has decreased heart rate, increased airway secretions, and bronchoconstriction.
Which statement best explains the difference between these two patients?
A. Patient A is experiencing sympathetic activation, while Patient B is experiencing parasympathetic activation
B. Patient A is experiencing parasympathetic activation, while Patient B is experiencing sympathetic activation
A. Patient A is experiencing sympathetic activation, while Patient B is experiencing parasympathetic activation
A medication is labeled 0.83% and 3 mL are administered. What is the first step to determine the dose in mg?
Convert percent strength to mg/mL
Before administering this medication - Albuterol nebulizer q4h prn -, which critical piece of information is missing and should be clarified to ensure safe and accurate delivery?
Blocking which parasympathetic receptor helps reduce bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion?
M3
What is the typical timeline from drug discovery to FDA market approval?
12-15 years
What are the five drug dosage forms?
1. oral
2. parenteral (injectable)
3. transdermal
4. inhalation
5. topical