MCQ on NSAID Pharmacology & Chemistry, Mostly asked previous question from Pharmacology
1. Which of the following is the chemical name of aspirin?
A) Acetaminophen B) Ibuprofen C) Ascorbic acid D) Acetylsalicylic acid
Answer: D) Acetylsalicylic acid
Explanation: Aspirin’s chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid, reflecting its chemical structure.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action of aspirin as an analgesic?
A) Blocking histamine receptors B) Inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes C) Stimulating opioid receptors D) Inhibiting serotonin reuptake
Answer: B) Inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
Explanation: Aspirin inhibits COX enzymes, particularly COX-1 and COX-2, thereby reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation.
3. Which of the following best describes the therapeutic effect of low-dose aspirin in cardiovascular disease prevention?
A) Anticoagulant effect B) Anti-inflammatory effect C) Antiplatelet effect D) Vasodilatory effect
Answer: C) Antiplatelet effect
Explanation: Low-dose aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events.
4. Which condition is a known contraindication for aspirin therapy?
A) Hypertension B) Peptic ulcer disease C) Allergic rhinitis D) Osteoarthritis
Answer: B) Peptic ulcer disease
Explanation: Aspirin can exacerbate peptic ulcers and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, making it contraindicated in patients with active ulcers.
5. What is a potential serious adverse effect of aspirin overdose?
A) Renal failure B) Hepatic necrosis C) Reye’s syndrome D) Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Answer: C) Reye’s syndrome
Explanation: Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition associated with aspirin use in children, characterized by acute encephalopathy and fatty liver.
6. Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of aspirin use?
A) Gastric irritation B) Tinnitus C) Hypotension D) Bleeding tendency
Answer: C) Hypotension
Explanation: Aspirin is more likely to cause gastric irritation, tinnitus, and bleeding tendencies rather than hypotension.
7. What effect does aspirin have on renal function when used chronically?
A) It increases glomerular filtration rate B) It decreases renal blood flow C) It promotes sodium retention D) It inhibits prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation
Answer: D) It inhibits prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation
Explanation: Chronic use of aspirin can lead to renal impairment due to its inhibition of prostaglandins, which are important for maintaining renal blood flow.
8. How does aspirin differ from other NSAIDs like ibuprofen in terms of platelet function?
A) Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation irreversibly B) Ibuprofen activates platelets C) Aspirin promotes platelet adhesion D) Ibuprofen has no effect on platelets
Answer: A) Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation irreversibly
Explanation: Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation by acetylating COX-1, whereas other NSAIDs like ibuprofen inhibit COX reversibly and do not affect platelet function significantly.
9. Which condition is aspirin indicated for in addition to pain relief and fever reduction?
A) Migraine prophylaxis B) Allergic rhinitis C) Bacterial infections D) Anxiety disorders
Answer: A) Migraine prophylaxis
Explanation: Aspirin is sometimes used for migraine prophylaxis due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
10. At what age is aspirin typically contraindicated due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome?
A) Under 2 years old B) Under 6 months old C) Under 5 years old D) Under 12 years old
Answer: D) Under 12 years old
Explanation: Aspirin should generally be avoided in children under 12 years old due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
11. Which enzyme does aspirin predominantly inhibit to exert its anti-inflammatory effects?
A) Acetylcholinesterase B) Lipoxygenase C) Cyclooxygenase (COX) D) Monoamine oxidase (MAO)
Answer: C) Cyclooxygenase (COX)
Explanation: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins.
12. What is the recommended dose of aspirin for acute myocardial infarction in adults?
A) 81 mg daily B) 325 mg daily C) 325 mg chewed immediately D) 650 mg every 4-6 hours as needed
Answer: C) 325 mg chewed immediately
Explanation: For acute myocardial infarction, aspirin is typically administered as 325 mg chewed immediately to achieve rapid absorption.
13. Which of the following statements about aspirin and NSAIDs is true?
A) Aspirin is a selective COX-2 inhibitor B) Aspirin is less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs C) Aspirin is safe to use in all trimesters of pregnancy D) Aspirin has no effect on platelet function Answer: B) Aspirin is less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs
Explanation: Aspirin is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs due to its irreversible inhibition of COX-1.
14. What is the primary mechanism of aspirin-induced gastric irritation?
A) Increased acid production B) Decreased mucosal blood flow C) Direct mucosal toxicity D) Delayed gastric emptying
Answer: C) Direct mucosal toxicity
Explanation: Aspirin can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to ulceration and bleeding.
15. Which of the following conditions is aspirin therapy most commonly used to prevent?
A) Glaucoma B) Gout C) Stroke D) Osteoporosis
Answer: C) Stroke Explanation: Low-dose aspirin is often prescribed for the prevention of ischemic stroke in high-risk individuals.
16. How does aspirin affect the risk of colorectal cancer?
A) It increases the risk B) It has no effect C) It decreases the risk D) It prevents metastasis
Answer: C) It decreases the risk Explanation: Long-term use of aspirin has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
17. Which of the following is a potential interaction of aspirin with other medications?
A) Increased anticoagulant effect of warfarin B) Reduced blood pressure-lowering effect of beta-blockers C) Increased sedative effect of benzodiazepines D) Reduced insulin sensitivity with metformin
Answer: A) Increased anticoagulant effect of warfarin
Explanation: Aspirin can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
18. How does aspirin affect renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease?
A) It improves glomerular filtration rate B) It exacerbates proteinuria C) It has no effect on renal function D) It increases sodium retention
Answer: B) It exacerbates proteinuria
Explanation: Aspirin can worsen kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease, potentially exacerbating proteinuria.
19. Which of the following laboratory tests may be affected by aspirin use?
A) Serum glucose B) Serum creatinine C) International normalized ratio (INR) D) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Answer: C) International normalized ratio (INR)
Explanation: Aspirin can increase bleeding risk and affect INR values in patients on anticoagulant therapy.
20. Which organ system is most directly affected by aspirin overdose?
A) Cardiovascular system B) Renal system C) Respiratory system D) Gastrointestinal system
Answer: D) Gastrointestinal system
Explanation: Aspirin overdose can lead to severe gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding.
21. How does aspirin affect the risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke?
A) It increases the risk B) It decreases the risk C) It has no effect D) It increases the risk only in men
Answer: A) It increases the risk
Explanation: Aspirin, especially at higher doses, can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke due to its antiplatelet effects.
22. Which of the following is a potential symptom of aspirin toxicity?
A) Hyperglycemia B) Hypokalemia C) Hypocalcemia D) Hyperthermia
Answer: D) Hyperthermia
Explanation: Aspirin toxicity can present with hyperthermia, along with metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis.
23. What effect does aspirin have on the respiratory system?
A) It increases bronchoconstriction B) It decreases airway inflammation C) It has no effect on respiration D) It increases mucus production
Answer: A) It increases bronchoconstriction
Explanation: Aspirin can induce bronchoconstriction in susceptible individuals, particularly those with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).
24. Which laboratory finding is associated with chronic aspirin use?
A) Hyperkalemia B) Hypocalcemia C) Hypouricemia D) Hypoalbuminemia
Answer: C) Hypouricemia
Explanation: Chronic aspirin use can lead to hypouricemia (low serum uric acid levels).
25. What is the primary benefit of enteric-coated aspirin formulations?
A) Enhanced analgesic effect B) Reduced risk of gastric irritation C) Faster onset of action D) Prolonged duration of action
Answer: B) Reduced risk of gastric irritation
Explanation: Enteric-coated aspirin formulations are designed to reduce gastric irritation by releasing the drug in the intestines rather than the stomach.
26. Which of the following is a potential neurological manifestation of aspirin toxicity?
A) Nystagmus B) Hyperreflexia C) Flushing D) Photosensitivity
Answer: A) Nystagmus
Explanation: Aspirin toxicity can present with neurological symptoms such as nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
27. What precaution should be taken when administering aspirin to children with viral infections?
A) Increase the dosage for effective fever reduction B) Administer with antihistamines to prevent allergic reactions C) Avoid use due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome D) Combine with antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections
Answer: C) Avoid use due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
Explanation: Aspirin should be avoided in children with viral infections due to the increased risk of Reye’s syndrome.
28. Which population is most susceptible to aspirin-induced bronchospasm?
A) Children under 12 years old B) Older adults over 65 years old C) Individuals with asthma and nasal polyps D) Individuals with hypertension
Answer: C) Individuals with asthma and nasal polyps
Explanation: Aspirin-induced bronchospasm is more common in individuals with asthma and nasal polyps, known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).
29. What is a potential symptom of aspirin withdrawal syndrome?
A) Hypertension B) Insomnia C) Hyperglycemia D) Muscle cramps
Answer: B) Insomnia
Explanation: Aspirin withdrawal can lead to rebound effects such as insomnia, headache, and possibly hypertension.
30. How does aspirin affect the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women?
A) It increases the risk B) It decreases the risk C) It has no effect D) It increases the risk only in women over 35 years old
Answer: B) It decreases the risk
Explanation: Low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women.