Which statement most accurately describes the adverse effect Torsade's de pointes?
A severe skin reaction that occurs following parenteral drug administration.
A form of ototoxicity that can occur when taking the drug gentamicin.
A dangerous cardiac arrhythmia that can occur when taking doxorubicin.
A musculoskeletal toxicity that can occur when taking simvastatin.
The Correct Answer is C
A. A severe skin reaction that occurs following parenteral drug administration: Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, may occur with certain medications, but these are not related to torsades de pointes, which specifically involves the heart’s electrical conduction system.
B. A form of ototoxicity that can occur when taking the drug gentamicin: Gentamicin can indeed cause ototoxicity, leading to hearing loss or balance disturbances. However, this effect is unrelated to torsades de pointes, which is a ventricular arrhythmia.
C. A dangerous cardiac arrhythmia that can occur when taking doxorubicin: Torsades de pointes is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with QT prolongation. Certain drugs, including chemotherapeutics like doxorubicin and others that prolong QT interval, can trigger this life-threatening arrhythmia.
D. A musculoskeletal toxicity that can occur when taking simvastatin: Statins like simvastatin may cause muscle-related adverse effects such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, but they do not lead to torsades de pointes, which is cardiac in nature.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreasing the dose of a medication will result in withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms occur when a drug is abruptly discontinued after dependence has developed, not specifically due to tolerance. Tolerance involves reduced response to a drug over time, not withdrawal upon dose reduction.
B. Increasing the dose of a medication will result in more adverse effects: While higher doses can increase adverse effects, this statement does not describe tolerance. Tolerance refers to the diminished therapeutic effect of a drug, not necessarily an increased risk of side effects.
C. Decreasing the dose of a medication should always be done gradually: Gradual dose reduction is recommended to prevent withdrawal or rebound symptoms, but it does not define tolerance. This statement relates to safe discontinuation rather than the concept of tolerance.
D. Increasing the dose of a medication is required to have the same effect: Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a drug, leading to reduced responsiveness. As a result, higher doses are needed to achieve the original therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place the lozenge under the tongue and wait for it to dissolve: This instruction applies to the transmucosal or sublingual form of fentanyl, not the transdermal patch. Transdermal fentanyl is absorbed through the skin, not the oral mucosa.
B. Inject this drug into the subcutaneous fat 2" away from the navel: Fentanyl patches are not injectable formulations. Subcutaneous administration is used for some medications, but transdermal fentanyl is specifically designed for slow, continuous absorption through the skin.
C. Apply the patch to the same area of skin each time it is replaced: Reapplying the patch to the same site can cause skin irritation or alter absorption. It is important to rotate sites and allow previous areas to rest for several days before reusing them.
D. Avoid applying the patch to an area of skin with a cut or scrape: Damaged skin can increase absorption, leading to dangerously high serum fentanyl levels and potential toxicity. The patch should be applied to clean, intact, non-irritated skin for safe and consistent drug delivery.
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