A female patient needs a whole blood transfusion. In order for transfusion services (the blood bank) to prepare the correct product a sample of the patient's blood must be obtained for:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Before administering a whole blood transfusion to a patient, it is crucial for the transfusion services to determine the patient's blood type and perform a crossmatch with the donor blood to ensure compatibility. The blood type (e.g., ABO and Rh) of the patient must be identified to select compatible donor blood. A crossmatch is performed to further confirm compatibility and prevent adverse reactions, such as hemolytic transfusion reactions, which can occur when incompatible blood components are transfused. This process helps ensure the safety and efficacy of the transfusion for the patient. A complete blood count and differential, blood culture and sensitivity, and antibody screening are important tests in other clinical contexts but are not essential for preparing a whole blood transfusion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Metformin belongs to the pharmacological class known as biguanides. Biguanides are a group of oral medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Metformin works primarily by decreasing the production of glucose in the liver while also increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This class of drugs does not stimulate insulin release from the pancreas like sulfonylureas and meglitinides but rather works by targeting the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. The main pharmacological effect of metformin is to reduce hepatic glucose output, which helps to control blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer used primarily in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the intensity and frequency of manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder, as well as prevent the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes. Lithium is not classified as an anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer agent, or diuretic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bioavailability is defined as the fraction of drug that reaches systemic circulation in an unchanged form after administration. It is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter that reflects the amount and rate of drug absorption. Bioavailability can be influenced by various factors such as the route of administration, drug formulation, and first-pass metabolism. Monitoring bioavailability is important in determining the efficacy and dosage requirements of a drug.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and dependency but also have accepted medical uses. A, C, D, and E are all classified as schedule II drugs. However, heroin is not a schedule II drug; it is classified as a schedule I drug due to its extremely high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use in the United States.