Q1. Which of the following drugs is commonly used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis?
a) Penicillin
b) Aspirin
c) Ibuprofen
d) Paracetamol
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Correct Answer: a) Penicillin
Explanation: Penicillin is an antibiotic drug that belongs to the beta-lactam class. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to the weakening and eventual lysis of bacteria. Penicillin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections and is commonly prescribed for conditions such as strep throat, pneumonia, and skin infections. It was the first antibiotic discovered and remains one of the most widely used antibiotics in the world. Penicillin and its derivatives have saved countless lives since its discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Q2. Which chemical compound is the active ingredient in aspirin, commonly used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication?
a) Acetaminophen
b) Ibuprofen
c) Paracetamol
d) Acetylsalicylic acid
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Correct Answer: d) Acetylsalicylic acid
Explanation: Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and alleviate inflammation. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in pain perception, fever response, and inflammation. Aspirin is widely used to treat various conditions, including headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it has antiplatelet properties, making it useful for preventing blood clot formation and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes when taken in low doses.
Q3. Which medication is commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain and reduce fever, but lacks significant anti-inflammatory effects?
a) Ibuprofen
b) Paracetamol
c) Morphine
d) Naproxen
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Correct Answer: b) Paracetamol
Explanation: Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used medication for relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, paracetamol lacks significant anti-inflammatory effects. Instead, it primarily works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the brain, which are involved in pain perception and fever regulation. Paracetamol is commonly found in over-the-counter pain relief medications and is considered safe when taken at recommended doses. However, excessive or prolonged use of paracetamol can lead to liver damage and other adverse effects.
Q4. Which NSAID is commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, and is available over-the-counter and by prescription?
a) Morphine
b) Naproxen
c) Paracetamol
d) Diazepam
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Correct Answer: b) Naproxen
Explanation: Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain and inflammation in the body. Naproxen is available over-the-counter in lower doses and by prescription in higher doses for more severe pain and inflammation. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle aches. Like other NSAIDs, naproxen carries a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, and kidney damage, especially with long-term use or high doses.
Q5. Which medication is commonly used as a central nervous system depressant to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures?
a) Ibuprofen
b) Diazepam
c) Paracetamol
d) Acetaminophen
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Correct Answer: b) Diazepam
Explanation: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used as a central nervous system depressant to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of neurons in the brain. Diazepam has sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties, making it useful for a variety of medical conditions. It is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and as an adjunctive treatment for seizures. However, diazepam carries a risk of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use.
Q6. Which medication is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain by acting as an opioid analgesic?
a) Acetaminophen
b) Ibuprofen
c) Morphine
d) Naproxen
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Correct Answer: c) Morphine
Explanation: Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic medication commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as that associated with surgery, cancer, or traumatic injuries. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, modulating pain perception and response. Morphine is available in various formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release formulations, and can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. Despite its effectiveness in relieving pain, morphine carries a risk of side effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, and potential for addiction or dependence with prolonged use.
Q7. Which medication is commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?
a) Aspirin
b) Lisinopril
c) Metformin
d) Simvastatin
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Correct Answer: b) Lisinopril
Explanation: Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication commonly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. It works by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby dilating blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. Lisinopril also helps to prevent the retention of sodium and water, reducing the workload on the heart and improving cardiac function. It is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for hypertension and is well-tolerated by most patients.
Q8. Which medication is commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production?
a) Insulin glargine
b) Metformin
c) Sitagliptin
d) Glyburide
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Correct Answer: b) Metformin
Explanation: Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the biguanide class of drugs and works by improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, such as muscle and fat, and reducing hepatic glucose production. Metformin does not stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, making it less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to other antidiabetic medications. It is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and may be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents to achieve glycemic control.
Q9. Which medication is commonly used to manage hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase?
a) Atorvastatin
b) Metoprolol
c) Lisinopril
d) Amlodipine
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Correct Answer: a) Atorvastatin
Explanation: Atorvastatin is a statin medication commonly used to manage hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels) and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which plays a key role in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By reducing cholesterol production, atorvastatin lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) in the blood while increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (“good” cholesterol). Atorvastatin is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
Q10. Which medication is commonly used to manage acid-related gastrointestinal disorders by reducing gastric acid secretion?
a) Omeprazole
b) Ranitidine
c) Famotidine
d) Esomeprazole
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Correct Answer: a) Omeprazole
Explanation: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication commonly used to manage acid-related gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by irreversibly inhibiting the proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase) in the parietal cells of the stomach, thereby reducing the production of gastric acid. By decreasing acid secretion, omeprazole helps alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and abdominal pain, and promotes healing of ulcerated or inflamed tissues in the gastrointestinal tract. Omeprazole is usually taken orally, either as an immediate-release capsule or delayed-release tablet, and is available over-the-counter and by prescription.