PORTAGE PHARMACOLOGY MODULE 8 EXAM 2025

whats the therapeutic effect of an analgesic within the body?

pain relief

select the true statement regarding key terms related to pain and treatment of pain?

tolerance induces changes in the drug receptors over time that decreases its therapeutic effect

name the 3 main therapeutic effects of NSAIDs

analgesia, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory

t/f opioids act on mu, kappa, delta receptors

true

Certain antiepileptic medications have shown to be effective in treating what type of pain?

neuropathic pain

select the true statement regarding fibromyalgia

symptoms include widespread pain with fatigue, sleep, memory, mood issues

which chemical category of opioids do most opioids fall under?

morphine-like drugs, phenathrenes, opioid agonists

t/f constipation is a common side effect associated with opioids, however its known to dissipate over time

false

name an opioid that is considered more potent than morphine?

oxymorphone, hydromorphone or fentanyl

select the FALSE statement below

oxycodone is commonly used in prescription cough suppressants

t/f when people die from an opioid overdose, it is usually related to the histamine reaction

false

describe the most common clinical use of naltrexone

opioid antagonist for opioid overdose

select the TRUE statement regarding NSAIDs

there are over 23 different NSAIDs available on the market

describe the body's inflammatory response that is first triggered by an injury. be sure to include following terms in answer: arachidonic acid, prostaglandin, leukotriene, cyclooxygenase, histamine, bradykinin

first response of body is to release arachidonic acid from phospholipids in cell membrane.

2 pathways arachidonic acid can be metabolized: prostaglandin and leukotriene pathway

effects of both pathways: inflammation, edema, headache, other pain characteristics

prostaglandin pathway involves cyclooxygenase enzyme converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins that cause inflammation by increasing vasodilation and vasopermeability, increasing actions of proinflammatory substances like histamine and bradykinin.

leukotriene pathway involves enzyme lipooxygenase converting arachidonic acid to leukotrienes that increases body's inflammatory response.

list 3 common signs of inflammation

pain, fever, redness, swelling, loss of function

which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the mechanism of action of NSAIDs?

aspirin reversibly binds to COX1 receptors within platelets

select the serious adverse effect thats associated with chronic NSAID use

renal failure

name the medication specifically indicated for treatment of fibromyalgia

milnacipran

name neurotransmitter thought to play a role in mechanism of action of gabapentin in treatment of neuropathic pain

GABA

name the term used to describe the endogenous chemicals that conduct nerve impulses between nerve cells and are thought to play role in maintaining mental health

neurotransmitters

match mental health disorder with correct description

anxiety = unpleasant state of mind

depression = abnormal emotional state characterized by exaggerated feelings of sadness

bipolar disorder = psychological disorder characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania cycling with depression

schizophrenia = a major form of psychosis where behavior is inappropriate

benzodiazepines are primarily used to treat anxiety. list at least one other use for benzodiazepines

alcohol withdrawal, seizures or insomnia

select the true statement regarding the treatment of anxiety

buspirone needs to be taken daily to have its full effect

select the drug that would be best treatment choice for patient with bipolar disorder

lamotrigine

name class of medications known to work by blocking dopamine receptors in brain

antipsychotics

what mood stabilizer requires drug levels to be monitored?

lithium

name neurotransmitter that majority of second generation antipsychotics target

serotonin

match antidepressant class with correct statement

TCA = rarely used for depression

MAOIs = must avoid tyramine containing foods

SSRIs = fluoxetine is a common example

SNRI = block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

whats a common secondary use of antidepressant buproprion?

smoking cessation

what neurotransmitter is thought to have excess activity in the brains of patients with psychotic disorders?

dopamine

t/f atypical antipsychotics are more effective than conventional antipsychotics at treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia

true

what are 2 benefits of a more targeted mechanism of action of the atypical antipsychotics?

improved efficacy (especially negative symptoms) and less adverse effects

select FALSE statement regarding mental illness

antipsychotics are very targeted for dopamine receptors and impact other receptors minimally

match side effect with correct description

EPS = akathisia, dystonia

tardive dyskinesia = involuntary movements of lips, jaw

NMS = fever, cardiovascular instability

select the correct statement

aripiprazole can be used to treat autism

match mental health medication with the adverse events

phenelzine = hypertensive crisis

lithium = cardiac dysrhythmia

risperidone = weight gain, increased lipids

fluoxetine= sexual dysfunction

amitripyline = lower seizure threshold, urinary retention