Technicians draw up, calculate and dispense most of the drugs a patient receives, so a decimal error or a missed interaction lands on the patient. Expect math on the exam: dosage, percentage solutions and fluid rates all appear in the outline.
3 sample Pharmacy & Pharmacology questions
Try each one before opening the answer. These come straight from the VetTech Pro question bank.
Question 1. Which enzyme do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit to produce their analgesic effect?
ALipoxygenase, reducing leukotriene synthesis from arachidonic acid
BPhospholipase A2, reducing arachidonic acid release from cell membranes
DCyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid
Show answer and rationale
Answer: D. Cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid
Corticosteroids act higher up the cascade by inhibiting phospholipase A2, which is why their effects are broader. The distinction between constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase underlies the search for NSAIDs with fewer gastrointestinal effects.
Question 2. Which drug is used to induce vomiting in dogs, and by what mechanism?
AApomorphine, a dopamine agonist acting at the chemoreceptor trigger zone
BMaropitant, by stimulating gastric motility and reverse peristalsis in the duodenum
CMetoclopramide, by blocking dopamine receptors in the vomiting center
DNaloxone, by antagonizing the opioid receptors that suppress vomiting
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Apomorphine, a dopamine agonist acting at the chemoreceptor trigger zone
Apomorphine is effective in dogs but unreliable and unsuitable in cats, where an alpha-2 agonist is generally preferred. Emesis is contraindicated where a corrosive or petroleum product has been ingested, or where the patient is already obtunded.
Question 3. What should happen to refrigerated products after a documented fridge temperature excursion?
AContinue using them if they look and smell normal on inspection
BMove them to a different fridge and continue to use them as normal
CQuarantine them and seek manufacturer guidance on whether they are usable
DDiscard the entire fridge contents immediately without any inquiry
Show answer and rationale
Answer: C. Quarantine them and seek manufacturer guidance on whether they are usable
Some products tolerate brief excursions and some do not, and appearance gives no indication either way. Quarantining prevents use while the question is resolved, and the manufacturer holds the stability data needed to answer it.
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