Which of the following is not a required element of the written prescription?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Disease state being treated. This is because the written prescription should include essential information such as the drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity to be dispensed, directions for use, patient information, prescriber information, and date. The disease state being treated is not a required element as it is typically part of the diagnosis and treatment plan discussed between the healthcare provider and the patient, but not necessarily explicitly stated on the prescription. The other choices, A, B, and D, are required elements of a written prescription. Quantity of a drug to be dispensed ensures proper dosing, number of refills indicates how many times the prescription can be refilled, and route of administration specifies how the medication should be administered. These elements are crucial for the pharmacist to accurately dispense and the patient to safely use the medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with the body to produce a specific effect. It encompasses the study of drug actions, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses. Pharmacotherapeutics (A) focuses on the use of drugs to treat diseases. Pharmacokinetics (C) is the study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body. Pharmacodynamics (D) is the study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body. Therefore, pharmacology is the most appropriate term for the study of how drugs influence the body as it encompasses all aspects of drug action.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Losartan is different from other ARBs because it undergoes hepatic metabolism to form an active metabolite, which contributes significantly to its pharmacological effects. This active metabolite, known as E-3174, has a longer half-life compared to Losartan itself, making its duration of action more sustained. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Losartan does not have the shortest half-life, does not have a small volume of distribution, and is primarily metabolized by the liver rather than being renally eliminated.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin). Peptic ulcer disease is commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can be treated with a combination of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Corticosteroids (choice A) and hormonal therapy (choice B) are not typically associated with treating the underlying cause of peptic ulcers. Opioids (choice D) can actually exacerbate peptic ulcer disease by increasing gastric acid secretion. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate treatment strategy for peptic ulcer disease due to its ability to target and eliminate the bacterial infection causing the ulcers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Patient allergic to penicillin and sulfa, ruling out choices A, B, and D which contain cephalosporins. Step 2: Zithromycin (Choice C) is a macrolide antibiotic, unrelated to penicillin or sulfa, making it safe for the patient. Summary: A, B, and D are incorrect due to containing cephalosporins, which can cross-react with penicillin allergy. Choice C (Zithromycin) is the correct answer as it is a safe alternative for the patient with penicillin and sulfa allergies.