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adverse drug reaction

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on adverse drug reaction.

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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Her INR is 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Administer vitamin K and discontinue warfarin
B. Elevate the leg and apply compression bandages
C. Prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic
D. Apply topical corticosteroids
E. Increase the dose of warfarin
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A 65-year-old man with hypertension is started on a medication that blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). What is the most common side effect of this class of drugs?

A. Hyperkalemia
B. Acute kidney injury
C. Angioedema
D. Hypotension
E. Dry cough
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. His current medications include metformin, insulin glargine, amlodipine, and aspirin. His blood pressure today is 150/90 mmHg. Laboratory results show a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL (baseline 2.0 mg/dL), potassium of 5.4 mEq/L, and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) of 350 mg/g. The GP decides to add an ACE inhibitor to his medication regimen to help manage his blood pressure and proteinuria. One week later, the patient returns complaining of fatigue and muscle weakness. Repeat laboratory testing reveals a serum creatinine of 3.1 mg/dL and a potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this patient?

A. Discontinue the ACE inhibitor and administer calcium gluconate
B. Add a potassium-sparing diuretic to counteract the hyperkalemia
C. Continue the ACE inhibitor and add a loop diuretic
D. Prescribe a potassium-binding resin and continue the ACE inhibitor
E. Reduce the dose of the ACE inhibitor by 50% and monitor renal function closely
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A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and heart failure is being treated with an ACE inhibitor. Her recent blood tests show a potassium level of 5.8 mmol/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in managing her hyperkalemia?

A. Prescribe a loop diuretic such as furosemide
B. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate
C. Immediately commence haemodialysis
D. Review and potentially reduce or discontinue the ACE inhibitor
E. Administer intravenous insulin and glucose
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A 40-year-old patient with PTSD is started on sertraline but develops sexual dysfunction as a side effect. What is the next step in management?

A. Add bupropion.
B. Switch to paroxetine.
C. Continue sertraline and monitor.
D. Discontinue sertraline.
E. Reduce the dose of sertraline.
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A 68-year-old male with a history of hypertension and stable angina is prescribed amlodipine. He returns after two weeks complaining of significant ankle edema. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Add a beta-blocker to counteract the effects of amlodipine.
B. Advise the patient to elevate his legs and wear compression stockings.
C. Reduce the dose of amlodipine.
D. Switch to an alternative antihypertensive such as an ACE inhibitor or ARB.
E. Prescribe a diuretic to manage the edema.
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A 58-year-old man with a history of hypertension and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is being treated with an ACE inhibitor. His blood pressure is well-controlled, but he develops a persistent, dry cough that is affecting his sleep and quality of life. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Add a cough suppressant
B. Switch to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
C. Add a diuretic
D. Discontinue the ACE inhibitor and start a beta-blocker
E. Reduce the dose of the ACE inhibitor
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation 5 days ago. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Apply compression bandages and elevate the leg
B. Start heparin and continue warfarin at the same dose
C. Reduce warfarin dose and monitor INR daily
D. Stop warfarin and administer vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma
E. Continue warfarin at the same dose and apply topical corticosteroids
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A 35-year-old man with PTSD is experiencing severe nightmares despite being on an SSRI. What medication can be added to target this symptom?

A. Prazosin
B. Gabapentin
C. Quetiapine
D. Clonidine
E. Trazodone
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A 68-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with confusion and muscle weakness. Her medications include hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension. Initial laboratory results show: Sodium 120 mmol/L (Normal: 135-145 mmol/L), Potassium 3.8 mmol/L (Normal: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L), Chloride 90 mmol/L (Normal: 95-105 mmol/L). What is the most likely cause of her hyponatremia?

A. Hyperglycemia
B. Thiazide-induced SIADH
C. Primary polydipsia
D. Renal failure
E. Adrenal insufficiency
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A patient recently started on an antipsychotic medication and develops an inner sense of restlessness and an inability to sit still, constantly needing to move or change position. What is the most likely diagnosis for this side effect?

A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Parkinsonism
D. Akathisia
E. Dystonia
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. His current medications include metformin, insulin, amlodipine, and aspirin. His blood pressure today is 150/90 mmHg. Laboratory results show a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL (221 micromol/L) and a potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L. The GP decides to add an ACE inhibitor to his treatment regimen to help manage his blood pressure and provide renal protection. One week later, the patient returns complaining of fatigue and muscle weakness. Repeat laboratory tests reveal a serum creatinine of 3.1 mg/dL (274 micromol/L) and a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this patient?

A. Add a potassium-binding resin (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate) and continue the ACE inhibitor.
B. Prescribe a loop diuretic to counteract the hyperkalemia and continue the ACE inhibitor.
C. Refer the patient to a nephrologist for urgent dialysis.
D. Reduce the dose of the ACE inhibitor by 50% and recheck renal function and potassium levels in one week.
E. Discontinue the ACE inhibitor and monitor renal function and potassium levels.
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A 28-year-old patient with autism spectrum disorder is prescribed risperidone for aggressive behavior. His parents report significant weight gain. What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Monitor and continue risperidone.
B. Add metformin.
C. Start a low-calorie diet.
D. Switch to aripiprazole.
E. Discontinue risperidone.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 78-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of increasing pain and discolouration in her right lower leg. She reports the pain is severe and worsening rapidly. She denies trauma or recent falls. Her INR this morning was 2.5 (target 2.0-3.0). Vital signs are stable: BP 130/80, HR 75, RR 16, Temp 36.8°C. Examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Considering the patient's history, current medication, and the clinical appearance depicted, the underlying mechanism involves a transient deficiency of which of the following?

A. Plasminogen
B. Antithrombin III
C. Protein C
D. Factor VIII
E. Vitamin K
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A patient on 2 mg risperidone developed bilateral nipple discharge. What is the most appropriate management step?

A. Switch to quetiapine.
B. Change to amisulpride.
C. Increase risperidone.
D. Decrease risperidone.
E. Switch to clozapine.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 65-year-old patient recently started on warfarin for deep vein thrombosis presents with a painful, expanding skin lesion on their leg. They report the lesion appeared suddenly and has worsened over the past 24 hours. INR is 2.8. Considering the clinical presentation and the appearance of the lesion, what is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A. Apply topical corticosteroids and compression bandaging.
B. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and debride the lesion.
C. Obtain a tissue biopsy for histopathology and culture.
D. Stop warfarin and initiate heparin and vitamin K.
E. Increase the warfarin dose and monitor INR closely.
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X-ray of hiatal hernia
Image by Ahmed Farhat, Daryn Towle CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 78-year-old male presents with persistent vomiting and epigastric pain. He reports a history of NSAID use for chronic arthritis. An X-ray is performed. Which of the following is the MOST likely complication associated with this finding?

A. Aortic dissection
B. Gastric volvulus
C. Pneumonia
D. Pericarditis
E. Esophageal stricture
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A patient is given an antiemetic and subsequently develops spasticity of the back. What is the most appropriate initial management?

A. Administer parenteral benztropine.
B. Increase the dose of the antiemetic.
C. Administer oral diazepam.
D. Refer for physiotherapy.
E. Stop all medications.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

An 82-year-old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a recent hospitalisation for pneumonia was discharged 5 days ago on warfarin 5mg daily. She presents to the emergency department complaining of increasing pain and a rapidly evolving lesion on her right lower leg over the past 48 hours. She denies trauma. Her vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown in the image on her right anterior lower leg. Her INR today is 4.5. She has no known history of protein C or S deficiency. Considering the patient's history, current medication, laboratory result, and the clinical appearance depicted, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Prescribe oral flucloxacillin and review in 24 hours for suspected bacterial cellulitis.
B. Increase the daily dose of warfarin to achieve a target INR of 2.5-3.0 more rapidly.
C. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation for debridement of the necrotic tissue.
D. Discontinue warfarin, administer intravenous vitamin K, and initiate therapeutic dose unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin.
E. Switch warfarin to rivaroxaban 20mg daily and monitor the lesion.
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A 72-year-old woman is admitted to the cardiology ward following an episode of syncope. Her past medical history includes hypertension, for which she takes hydrochlorothiazide, and osteoarthritis, managed with regular ibuprofen. An ECG reveals a prolonged QTc interval of 520 ms. She denies any family history of sudden cardiac death or prolonged QT syndrome. Her electrolytes are within normal limits except for a potassium level of 3.4 mmol/L (normal range 3.5-5.0 mmol/L). Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient?

A. Administer intravenous magnesium sulfate.
B. Initiate treatment with a beta-blocker such as metoprolol.
C. Commence amiodarone therapy.
D. Insert an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
E. Correct the hypokalemia and discontinue hydrochlorothiazide.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman recently started on warfarin for a pulmonary embolism presents with a painful, rapidly expanding purpuric lesion on her thigh, which developed two days ago. Her INR is 2.5. She has no history of trauma to the area. Considering the clinical presentation and the appearance of the lesion, what is the most likely underlying pathophysiological process?

A. Allergic vasculitis secondary to warfarin
B. Protein C deficiency leading to paradoxical thrombosis
C. Vitamin K deficiency exacerbating bleeding
D. Direct toxic effect of warfarin on dermal capillaries
E. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia causing microthrombi
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A 22-year-old lady was wrongly given a B12 prescription for another patient. The error was noticed later at the pharmacy. What is the next step?

A. Notify the practice manager.
B. Report to AHPRA.
C. Apologize to the patient for the error.
D. Review practice procedures.
E. Document in patient notes.
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A 40-year-old patient with schizophrenia is started on risperidone. His GP recommends regular monitoring. What parameters should be monitored?

A. Serum calcium
B. Thyroid function tests
C. Liver function tests
D. Vitamin D levels
E. Blood glucose and lipids
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A 30-year-old woman with bipolar disorder is prescribed risperidone for manic episodes. She develops tremors and rigidity. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Serotonin syndrome
E. Akathisia
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A 25-year-old man with schizophrenia is started on risperidone. After a few weeks, he develops gynecomastia and galactorrhea. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

A. Hyperprolactinemia
B. Diabetes insipidus
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Cushing syndrome
E. Adrenal insufficiency
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A 30-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever, sore throat, and a diffuse rash. She recently started taking a new medication for her epilepsy. On examination, she is febrile at 38.2°C, with a heart rate of 100 bpm and blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg. The rash is erythematous and involves the trunk and extremities, with some areas of desquamation. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis with eosinophilia and elevated liver enzymes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
B. Scarlet fever
C. Toxic shock syndrome
D. Kawasaki disease
E. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome
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A 55-year-old man with a history of hypertension and stable angina is prescribed a new medication. He reports experiencing a persistent dry cough since starting the medication. Which drug is most likely responsible for this side effect?

A. Amlodipine
B. Losartan
C. Enalapril
D. Hydrochlorothiazide
E. Atenolol
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

An 82-year-old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was recently discharged from hospital following treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Five days ago, she was commenced on warfarin 5mg daily for stroke prevention. She presents to the emergency department today complaining of severe, rapidly worsening pain and a dark, blistering lesion on her right lower leg that developed over the past 48 hours. She denies any recent trauma to the leg. Her vital signs are stable: blood pressure 132/82 mmHg, heart rate 76 bpm, respiratory rate 18/min, temperature 37.0°C. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown in the image on her right anterior lower leg. Laboratory results show an INR of 4.8, haemoglobin 125 g/L, white cell count 8.5 x 10^9/L, and platelets 250 x 10^9/L. She has no known personal or family history of thrombophilia. Considering the clinical presentation, recent medication changes, and the appearance depicted, which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Discontinue warfarin, administer Vitamin K, and initiate therapeutic dose low molecular weight heparin.
B. Reduce the dose of warfarin and monitor the INR closely.
C. Discontinue warfarin and administer Vitamin K only.
D. Initiate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and arrange urgent surgical review for debridement.
E. Continue warfarin at the current dose and administer fresh frozen plasma to correct the INR.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A patient on warfarin presents with leg pain. INR is 3.5. Given the image, what is the MOST appropriate initial pharmacological intervention?

A. Vitamin K and four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
B. Topical corticosteroids
C. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
D. Intravenous antibiotics
E. Continue warfarin at the same dose
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Gynaecomastia
Image by ProloSozz CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male presents with bilateral breast enlargement for 6 months. He denies pain, discharge, or skin changes. He reports taking saw palmetto for BPH. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST likely cause?

A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Testicular cancer
C. Cirrhosis
D. Idiopathic
E. Medication side effect
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A 35-year-old patient with schizophrenia is on risperidone and develops QT prolongation on ECG. What is the next step?

A. Switch to clozapine.
B. Start a beta-blocker.
C. Discontinue risperidone.
D. Monitor ECG regularly.
E. Reduce the dose of risperidone.
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Which of the following is a key feature that helps confirm the diagnosis of Serotonin Syndrome?

A. Miosis
B. Hypotension
C. Hyperreflexia
D. Bradycardia
E. Hypertonia
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old patient on warfarin for a recent DVT presents with a painful, rapidly expanding skin lesion on their leg that started 48 hours ago. Their INR is 2.9. Given the clinical context and the appearance of the lesion, what is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A. Increase the warfarin dose and monitor INR closely.
B. Switch warfarin to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
C. Obtain a skin biopsy and continue current management.
D. Apply topical antibiotics and continue warfarin.
E. Stop warfarin, administer Vitamin K, and initiate heparin.
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A 35-year-old woman who recently underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and completed a 5-day course of cefotaxime presents with a 3-day history of diarrhea and a temperature of 39.5°C. Her vital signs are otherwise normal, and a digital rectal exam is normal. Examination reveals erythematous port sites. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Clostridium difficile infection
B. Anastomotic leak
C. Pelvic abscess
D. Surgical site infection
E. Intra-abdominal abscess
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation 5 days ago. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Increase the dose of warfarin to achieve a higher INR
B. Start intravenous heparin and continue warfarin
C. Apply compression bandages and elevate the leg
D. Continue warfarin at the same dose and apply topical corticosteroids
E. Stop warfarin, administer vitamin K and start a direct oral anticoagulant
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents with a painful, rapidly expanding lesion on her right lower leg that began two days ago, shortly after her warfarin dose was increased. Her vital signs are stable, and her INR is within the therapeutic range. Considering the clinical presentation and the appearance of the lesion shown, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and arrange urgent surgical debridement.
B. Switch warfarin to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
C. Discontinue warfarin, administer vitamin K, and initiate heparin.
D. Continue warfarin at the current dose and monitor closely.
E. Reduce the warfarin dose and add aspirin.
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Gynaecomastia
Image by ProloSozz CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 55-year-old man presents with the condition shown. He reports taking spironolactone for hypertension. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Refer to endocrinology for hormonal evaluation
B. Initiate treatment with tamoxifen
C. Order a mammogram to rule out malignancy
D. Review and potentially adjust his antihypertensive medication
E. Reassure the patient that this is a normal age-related change
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