1.
Question:
A 35-year-old woman is diagnosed with neurocysticercosis and is prescribed albendazole. What is the primary mechanism of action of albendazole?
A) Inhibits DNA synthesis in helminths
B) Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in helminths
C) Increases membrane permeability to calcium ions in helminths
D) Inhibits microtubule synthesis in helminths
E) Acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent in helminths
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Correct Answer: D) Inhibits microtubule synthesis in helminths
Explanation: Albendazole works by inhibiting microtubule synthesis, leading to the depletion of glycogen stores and eventual death of the parasite.
2.
Question:
A 5-year-old child is diagnosed with pinworm infection and is prescribed pyrantel pamoate. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of pyrantel pamoate?
A) Inhibits microtubule synthesis in helminths
B) Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in helminths
C) Increases membrane permeability to calcium ions in helminths
D) Acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent in helminths
E) Inhibits DNA synthesis in helminths
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Correct Answer: D) Acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent in helminths
Explanation: Pyrantel pamoate works by causing paralysis of the helminth, which is then expelled from the host’s body.
3.
Question:
A 40-year-old man with a history of epilepsy is prescribed ivermectin for the treatment of onchocerciasis. What potential side effect should be closely monitored due to his condition?
A) Gastrointestinal symptoms
B) Hypersensitivity reactions
C) Severe neurological effects
D) Hepatotoxicity
E) Bone marrow suppression
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Correct Answer: C) Severe neurological effects
Explanation: Ivermectin can cause serious neurological effects, especially in individuals with a heavy parasite load or pre-existing neurological conditions.
4.
Question:
A pregnant woman in her second trimester is diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Which anthelmintic drug is considered the safest for her treatment?
A) Albendazole
B) Mebendazole
C) Ivermectin
D) Praziquantel
E) Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
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Correct Answer: D) Praziquantel
Explanation: Praziquantel is considered safe for use during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, making it the drug of choice for treating schistosomiasis in pregnant women.
5.
Question:
A 7-year-old child is prescribed mebendazole for the treatment of roundworm infection. What is a notable characteristic of mebendazole that makes it safer in certain cases compared to albendazole?
A) Higher systemic absorption
B) Less systemic absorption
C) Greater efficacy against cestodes
D) Increased risk of bone marrow suppression
E) More frequent dosing requirement
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Correct Answer: B) Less systemic absorption
Explanation: Mebendazole has less systemic absorption compared to albendazole, which can make it a safer option in certain cases, especially for treating localized intestinal infections.
6.
Question:
A 25-year-old woman is diagnosed with strongyloidiasis and is prescribed ivermectin. Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of ivermectin?
A) It should be avoided in areas endemic to Loa loa
B) It is the first-line treatment for all cestode infections
C) It has significant systemic side effects when used topically
D) It should be taken on an empty stomach for best absorption
E) It is contraindicated in all forms of liver disease
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Correct Answer: A) It should be avoided in areas endemic to Loa loa
Explanation: Ivermectin should be avoided in areas where Loa loa is endemic due to the risk of severe adverse reactions, such as encephalopathy, in individuals with heavy Loa loa infections.
7.
Question:
A 50-year-old man is prescribed albendazole for the treatment of neurocysticercosis. What dietary recommendation should be given to enhance the absorption of albendazole?
A) Take with a glass of water
B) Take on an empty stomach
C) Take with a high-fiber meal
D) Take with a fatty meal
E) Take with citrus juice
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Correct Answer: D) Take with a fatty meal
Explanation: Albendazole should be taken with a fatty meal to increase its absorption, as the drug is better absorbed with dietary fat.
8.
Question:
A 10-year-old child is treated with albendazole for a roundworm infection but is instructed to repeat the dose in 2 weeks. What is the purpose of this repeated dosing?
A) To enhance the initial drug absorption
B) To reduce the risk of drug resistance
C) To ensure elimination of newly hatched larvae
D) To prevent gastrointestinal side effects
E) To increase the drug’s half-life
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Correct Answer: C) To ensure elimination of newly hatched larvae
Explanation: A repeated dose of albendazole is often recommended after 2-3 weeks to eliminate newly hatched larvae that were not affected by the initial treatment.
9.
Question:
A 30-year-old woman who is in her first trimester of pregnancy has been diagnosed with a hookworm infection. Which of the following anthelmintic drugs is contraindicated during the first trimester?
A) Pyrantel pamoate
B) Praziquantel
C) Albendazole
D) Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
E) Mebendazole
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Correct Answer: C) Albendazole
Explanation: Albendazole is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects and should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks in later trimesters.
10.
Question:
A 45-year-old patient with a history of liver disease is being treated with praziquantel for schistosomiasis. Which of the following side effects should be most closely monitored?
A) Bone marrow suppression
B) Gastrointestinal upset
C) Hepatotoxicity
D) Hypersensitivity reactions
E) Neurological symptoms
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Correct Answer: C) Hepatotoxicity
Explanation: While praziquantel is generally well-tolerated, it can cause mild transient increases in liver enzymes, and patients with pre-existing liver conditions should be monitored for hepatotoxicity.
Question 11:
A 45-year-old man is diagnosed with hydatid disease (echinococcosis) and is prescribed albendazole 400 mg twice daily for several months. The patient asks the pharmacist about potential side effects and whether there are any specific precautions he should follow during this long-term treatment.
Which of the following is a key monitoring parameter for patients on long-term albendazole therapy?
A) Liver function tests
B) Blood pressure
C) Electrolyte levels
D) Kidney function tests
E) Serum calcium levels
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Correct Answer:
A) Liver function tests
Explanation:
Long-term use of albendazole can cause hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests should be regularly monitored during therapy. The patient should be advised to report any signs of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice or persistent nausea.
Follow-Up Question:
What dietary advice should be given to a patient taking albendazole for an extended period?
A) Avoid grapefruit juice
B) Take the medication on an empty stomach
C) Take the medication with a fatty meal to enhance absorption
D) Avoid dairy products
E) Increase fiber intake
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Correct Answer:
C) Take the medication with a fatty meal to enhance absorption
Explanation:
Albendazole’s absorption is significantly enhanced when taken with a fatty meal, which increases its effectiveness. Patients on long-term therapy should be advised to take each dose with food that contains fat.
Question 12:
A 6-year-old child is prescribed mebendazole for ascariasis (roundworm infection). The parent asks if there are any side effects they should be aware of while their child is taking the medication.
Which of the following is a common side effect of mebendazole that the parent should monitor for?
A) Hair loss
B) Abdominal pain and diarrhea
C) Skin rash
D) Sleep disturbances
E) Muscle cramps
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Correct Answer:
B) Abdominal pain and diarrhea
Explanation:
Mebendazole can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially when treating large worm burdens. The parent should monitor the child for these symptoms and consult the healthcare provider if they become severe.
Follow-Up Question:
How should the parent administer mebendazole to ensure proper treatment?
A) Crush the tablet and mix it with juice
B) Administer the medication in the morning on an empty stomach
C) Repeat the dose after two weeks to prevent reinfection
D) Give the medication before bedtime
E) Administer the medication every 4 hours for three days
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Correct Answer:
C) Repeat the dose after two weeks to prevent reinfection
Explanation:
In cases of ascariasis and other helminth infections, it is often recommended to repeat the dose of mebendazole after two weeks to eliminate any newly hatched worms and prevent reinfection.
Question 13:
A 30-year-old man is diagnosed with onchocerciasis (river blindness) after returning from a trip to Africa. He is prescribed ivermectin as part of his treatment. He asks the pharmacist about any potential adverse effects he should be aware of.
What is a potential adverse effect of ivermectin that is specific to the treatment of onchocerciasis?
A) Mazzotti reaction
B) Severe constipation
C) High blood pressure
D) Hypoglycemia
E) Hair thinning
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Correct Answer:
A) Mazzotti reaction
Explanation:
The Mazzotti reaction is a common adverse effect in patients treated with ivermectin for onchocerciasis. It is an immune response to the death of microfilariae and can include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and itching. Patients should be informed of this potential reaction and advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe symptoms.
Follow-Up Question:
What supportive care measure can help manage the Mazzotti reaction?
A) Increased fluid intake
B) Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
C) Antihistamines for itching
D) Avoidance of sun exposure
E) Bed rest for several days
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Correct Answer:
B) Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Explanation:
Corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage the inflammatory symptoms of the Mazzotti reaction, such as swelling and rash, in patients treated for onchocerciasis with ivermectin.
Question 14
A 32-year-old woman is diagnosed with a tapeworm infection and prescribed praziquantel. She asks the pharmacist about the duration of treatment and what to expect during therapy.
What advice should the pharmacist give regarding the duration of praziquantel treatment for a tapeworm infection?
A) A single dose is usually sufficient
B) Treatment lasts for 7 days
C) Treatment requires multiple doses over 14 days
D) Treatment lasts for several months
E) Treatment involves daily doses for one week
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Correct Answer:
A) A single dose is usually sufficient
Explanation:
For most tapeworm infections, a single dose of praziquantel is usually sufficient to clear the infection. Patients should be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to confirm that the infection has been fully treated.
Follow-Up Question:
What should the patient be advised to do after taking praziquantel for a tapeworm infection?
A) Increase dietary fiber intake to aid in expelling the worm
B) Avoid heavy physical activity for 24 hours
C) Follow up with a stool sample test to ensure the infection is cleared
D) Take a second dose 24 hours later
E) Fast for 12 hours after taking the medication
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Correct Answer:
C) Follow up with a stool sample test to ensure the infection is cleared
Explanation:
After treatment with praziquantel, it is important to follow up with a stool sample test to confirm that the tapeworm infection has been fully cleared. This helps ensure that the treatment was effective and that no further action is needed.