1.
Chronic administration of Winstrol may produce all of the following complications EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
B. Increased testicular size
Explanation
Stanozolol (Winstrol) is an androgen that would be expected to promote growth and development of male sex organs. However, chronic administration leads to feedback inhibition of testosterone secretion which leads to testicular atrophy.
2.
The patient in Profile #2 is discharged on a new prescription for Deltasone 40 mg qd for 7 days. He should be instructed to:
Correct Answer
A. Check feet closely for wounds
Explanation
The patient has a history of diabetes and will be given prednisone (Deltasone), which would be expected to increase blood glucose. When diabetes is poorly controlled, infections are more likely to occur. For this reason, he should monitor more closely for wounds that may become infected. He will not be taking prednisone long enough to develop adrenal insufficiency, so there is no need for him to wear identification for steroid therapy.
3.
J. T. is a 23-year-old male who presents to your outpatient pharmacy and asks to speak to the pharmacist. He inquires about natural remedies for breast enlargement. He also purchases benzoyl peroxide cream and facial cleanser, asking if these are the best products for acne. Which of the following drugs is he likely to be using?
Correct Answer
D. Anadrol-50 (oxymetholone)
Explanation
Gynecomastia and acne are both adverse effects commonly associated with androgens and anabolic steroids.
4.
Which of the following drugs is used to treat Cushing's disease?
I. ketoconazole
II. aminoglutethimide
III. mitotane
Correct Answer
E. I, II, and III
Explanation
Ketoconazole, aminoglutethimide, and mitotane are all used to treat Cushing's disease. Ketoconazole is most commonly known as an antifungal agent, but it inhibits cortisol synthesis at high doses (800-1200 mg daily).
5.
S. M. is a 62-year-old male with COPD who presents to the emergency department for an acute exacerbation of his COPD. The emergency department physician administers methylprednisolone 125 mg IV × one dose prior to admission to the hospital’s general medical floor. S. M. remains on methylprednisolone 80 mg IV every 6 hours for 8 days before he experiences significant improvement. On day 9, although he is improving otherwise, he complains of significant heartburn. Which of the following is the best treatment plan for S. M.’s corticosteroid therapy in the long term?
Correct Answer
C. Change S. M.’s corticosteroid to the equivalent dose of prednisone po and gradually taper over the course of 2 weeks until discontinued.
Explanation
The best treatment plan for S. M.'s corticosteroid therapy in the long term is to change his corticosteroid to the equivalent dose of prednisone po and gradually taper it over the course of 2 weeks until discontinued. This is because S. M. is experiencing significant heartburn, which is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Tapering the dose of prednisone gradually helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms and allows the body to adjust to lower levels of the medication. This approach ensures that S. M. can safely discontinue the corticosteroid without experiencing any adverse effects.
6.
Decreased urine production is an effect of:
Correct Answer
D. Desmopressin
Explanation
esmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic analog of vasopressin, or antidiuretic hormone. Thus it decreases urine production by increasing water resorption.
7.
Which of the following drugs may be used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency?
Correct Answer
D. Cosyntropin
Explanation
Cosyntropin (Cortrosyn) is a synthetic analog of ACTH that is used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency. It works by stimulating the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol. If cosyntropin administration does not result in an appropriate increase in cortisol release, adrenal insufficiency is present.
8.
Androderm is administered:
Correct Answer
A. Once daily
Explanation
Testosterone transdermal systems (Androderm, Testoderm) are both applied once daily for 24 hours. Longer acting androgens are available, such as nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin), for once weekly administration.
9.
Which of the following hormones is secreted by the pituitary gland?
Correct Answer
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Explanation
Adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, is released by the pituitary and acts on the adrenal glands to increase cortisol release. Corticotropin-releasing hormone is released by the hypothalamus and acts on the pituitary to stimulate ACTH release.
10.
A patient with atrial fibrillation may require a decreased warfarin dosage when the following drug is initiated:
Correct Answer
A. Liothyronine
Explanation
Liothyronine (Cytomel) is T3, a potent thyroid hormone. In states of hypothyroidism, metabolism is decreased. However, if thyroid hormone is supplemented, blood clotting factors will be metabolized more quickly, leading to decreased warfarin requirements.
11.
The Synthroid prescription dispensed to Mrs. Ricardo on 3/21 requires advising her to:
Correct Answer
A. Take 4 hours before or 4 hours after Questran
Explanation
Bile acid sequestrants reduce levothyroxine absorption and must be separated from levothyroxine administration by at least 4 hours. Levothyroxine should be administered before a meal on an empty stomach in order to maximize absorption.
12.
Which of the following drugs works by decreasing cortisol synthesis?
Correct Answer
E. Metyrapone
Explanation
Metyrapone (Metopirone) inhibits 11-hydroxylase activity, and thus decreases cortisol synthesis.
13.
Which of the following drugs may produce hypothyroidism?
I. amitriptyline
II. lithium
III. amiodarone
Correct Answer
D. II and III only
Explanation
Lithium and amiodarone have both been associated with hypothyroidism. Amiodarone contains iodine, and may cause hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
14.
K. R. is a 54-year-old male taking methyltestosterone for AIDS-related wasting disease. Which of the following should be used to monitor him for adverse effects from this drug?
Correct Answer
A. Digital rectal exam
Explanation
A digital rectal exam should be used to monitor the patient for adverse effects from methyltestosterone. Methyltestosterone is a medication used to treat AIDS-related wasting disease, and it can have side effects on the prostate gland. By performing a digital rectal exam, the healthcare provider can assess the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland and check for any abnormalities or signs of prostate-related adverse effects. This monitoring is important to ensure the patient's safety and to detect any potential complications early on.
15.
Which of the following drugs is best for rapid control of thyroid storm?
Correct Answer
B. Lugol’s iodine solution
Explanation
Iodine preparations work more rapidly than propylthiouracil or methimazole in thyroid storm and are preferred for acute control of this condition.
16.
Which of the following drugs is indicated for use in sepsis to augment the effects of vasopressor therapy?
Correct Answer
A. Pitressin (vasopressin)
Explanation
Vasopressin has antidiuretic and vasoconstrictive properties that may enhance the effects of vasopressors and decrease the required doses of vasopressors in sepsis.
17.
Chronic administration of glucocorticoids predisposes patients to:
Correct Answer
D. Osteoporosis
Explanation
Glucocorticoids have catabolic effects on a number of tissues, including muscle, fat, skin, and bone. Chronic administration leads to osteopenia and osteoporosis.
18.
A patient is taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 6 months. Upon abrupt cessation, which of the following may occur?
Correct Answer
D. Adrenal crisis
Explanation
Chronic administration of glucocorticoids such as prednisone will lead to feedback inhibition of pituitary ACTH release, and atrophy of the adrenal cortex. When prednisone is abruptly stopped, the adrenals will not be able to meet the body's demand for cortisol during severe stress and adrenal crisis may occur.
19.
V. R. is a 76-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis. Her medications for this condition include etanercept 50 mg subcutaneously once weekly and prednisone 5 mg po daily. She is admitted to the general medical ward of her local hospital for a deep venous thrombosis, and her physician asks for recommendations regarding her home medications.
After 3 days in the hospital, V. R. experiences shortness of breath and hemodynamic instability. She is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, she is intubated, and she is sent to the ICU. Her physician then specifies she is to have nothing by mouth. Which of the following is the most appropriate plan regarding her prednisone therapy?
Correct Answer
E. Change prednisone to methylprednisolone IV at a dose that is higher than the equivalent of her previous prednisone dose.
Explanation
At this point, V. R. has become critically ill and is also not to take anything by mouth. She will require an IV formulation of corticosteroids and will require a higher dose than her usual home dose because of the increased physiologic stress her body is under and her presumed lack of ability to mount additional adrenal response because of her long-term corticosteroid use.
20.
Which of the following drugs can be used to treat Cushing’s disease?
Correct Answer
E. Ketoconazole
Explanation
Ketoconazole is effective for treatment of Cushing’s disease at high doses. The other antifungals listed have not been shown to be effective.
21.
Close monitoring of adrenal hormone secretion may be required when administering:
Correct Answer
B. Mitotane
Explanation
Mitotane is cytotoxic to adrenal cells and thus reduces cortisol synthesis and release. ACTH increases cortisol release. Close monitoring of cortisol levels is important when this drug is used.
22.
Which of the following drugs can be used to prevent or decrease surgery-related bleeding in patients with von Willebrand’s disease?
Correct Answer
B. Stimate (desmopressin)
Explanation
Desmopressin increases clotting factors and circulating platelets and may be used to control bleeding in surgical or other conditions.
23.
Which of the following tests should be done frequently in patients taking desmopressin chronically?
Correct Answer
C. Serum sodium
Explanation
Desmopressin therapy is associated with hyponatremia, which may be severe and cause neurologic abnormalities.
24.
An increased risk of peptic ulcer disease occurs when NSAIDs are combined with:
Correct Answer
C. Dexamethasone
Explanation
Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron) are known to increase the risk of peptic ulcers when used in combination with NSAIDs.
25.
H. P. is a 42-year-old male who presents to his physician. His complaints include increased hair growth on his back and chest; easy bruising; anxiety; fluid retention; and weight gain concentrated in his face, neck, and upper back. Which of the following disorders is H. P. most likely exhibiting?
Correct Answer
A. Cushing’s disease
Explanation
The listed symptoms are all associated with Cushing’s disease (adrenal hyperactivity). Addison’s disease represents the opposite to Cushing’s disease (hypoadrenal state), whereas the other three options refer to diseases of the thyroid.
26.
Cosyntropin can be used for which of the following purposes?
Correct Answer
E. Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency
Explanation
Cosyntropin (synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone) should stimulate release of cortisol when administered. Adrenal response to cosyntropin administration is a diagnostic indicator of adrenal insufficiency.
27.
Which of the following drugs is indicated for bedwetting in children?
Correct Answer
B. Desmopressin
Explanation
Desmopressin, an antidiuretic hormone analog, may be used to control nocturnal enuresis
28.
V. R. is a 76-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis. Her medications for this condition include etanercept 50 mg subcutaneously once weekly and prednisone 5 mg po daily. She is admitted to the general medical ward of her local hospital for a deep venous thrombosis, and her physician asks for recommendations regarding her home medications.
Which of the following is the best recommendation for her regarding her prednisone therapy?
Correct Answer
C. Continue the prednisone at the current dose of 5 mg po daily while V. R. is in the hospital.
Explanation
Discontinuation or decrease of the prednisone V. R. takes at home may precipitate withdrawal symptoms caused by HPA axis suppression. Increasing the dose to four times the home dose or converting to an IV formulation is not necessary according to the clinical situation of V. R.
29.
Which of the following is a well-recognized adverse effect associated with corticosteroids?
Correct Answer
D. Hyperglycemia
Explanation
Corticosteroids are well known to cause hyperglycemia and should be used in caution in patients with diabetes mellitus.
30.
Which of the following is used to treat adrenal crisis?
Correct Answer
E. Hydrocortisone
Explanation
Hydrocortisone is the drug of choice for adrenal crisis since it possesses both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid properties. Although cosyntropin increases cortisol release, patients with adrenal crisis may not have enough adrenal reserve to meet their increased demand.
31.
Decreased ketoconazole absorption may occur if it is administered concomitantly with:
Correct Answer
A. Antacids
Explanation
Ketoconazole requires the presence of stomach acid in order to be absorbed. Any drug that decreases gastric acidity will decrease the extent of ketoconazole absorption. Food increases ketoconazole absorption since food stimulates release of gastric acid.
32.
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable indication for testosterone?
Correct Answer
D. Body building
Explanation
Anabolic steroids may be abused by those who are seeking enhanced muscular development and endurance, such as athletes. For this reason, all of these agents are subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
33.
Which of the following androgen preparations requires the least frequent dosing?
Correct Answer
E. Testosterone cypionate in oil (Depo-Testosterone)
Explanation
Testosterone cypionate in oil is a depot injection and is recommended to be given every 2–4 weeks. Topical formulations are applied daily, and oral formulations are taken every 12–24 hours.
34.
All of the following may decrease the effect of thyroid hormone supplementation EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
E. TheopHylline
Explanation
Numerous drugs are known to decrease thyroid hormone absorption, including antacids that contain divalent and trivalent cations, calcium salts, magnesium, sucralfate, and bile-acid sequestrants. Estrogens and enzyme-inducing drugs may decrease circulating thyroid hormone levels and necessitate a dose increase of thyroxine.
35.
Which of the following is NOT an effect of glucocorticoids?
Correct Answer
C. Inhibit glycogenolysis
Explanation
Glucocorticoids have potent effects on glucose and carbohydrate metabolism. They promote glycogen breakdown, rather than inhibit it.
36.
Which of the following corticosteroid agents has the highest ratio of mineralocorticoid to glucocorticoid activity?
Correct Answer
B. Fludrocortisone
Explanation
Fludrocortisone is almost purely mineralocorticoid and is used for increasing blood pressure rather than for anti-inflammatory effects.
37.
Which of the following is LEAST likely to contribute to the increased blood glucose seen in this patient?
Correct Answer
B. Captopril
Explanation
Captopril increases insulin sensitivity and would not be expected to contribute to increased blood glucose. This patient's blood glucose began rising shortly after admission. His IV fluids contain glucose, epinephrine increases blood glucose by increasing glycogen breakdown, methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) promotes glycogenolysis, and anaphylaxis would be expected to increase stress response leading to increased epinephrine release and increased blood glucose.
Flag this question
question note Add a Note You may enter and save a note about this question here...
38.
A patient who is suffering from heat intolerance, weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and anxiety may be treated with:
Correct Answer
D. Propylthiouracil
Explanation
Heat intolerance, weight loss, tachycardia, tremor and anxiety are cardinal features of hyperthyroidism. Propylthiouracil is effective at reducing the excessive thyroxine level.
39.
Excessive doses of levothyroxine may cause:
Correct Answer
B. Osteoporosis
Explanation
Levothyroxine decreases bone mineral density and when given in supratherapeutic doses may cause osteoporosis. For this reason, the lowest possible replacement dose should be administered.
40.
Which of the following of Mrs. Ricardo's conditions could the Synthroid exacerbate?
Correct Answer
C. Coronary artery disease
Explanation
Thyroid hormones enhance oxygen consumption and increase the oxygen demand. Mrs. Ricardo has a past medical history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and is elderly. Thyroid supplementation would actually lower her cholesterol in the long run, but may precipitate angina acutely.