Test Bank For Oral Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist, 2nd Edition
Published by Pearson
Mea A. Weinberg
Cheryl M. Westphal Theile
James Burke Fine
, Chapter 1: Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology
1. Pharmacology is best defined as:
A. Study of drugs used in dentistry only
B. Study of drug interactions
C. Study of drugs and their effects on living systems
D. Study of toxic substances only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Pharmacology encompasses drug sources, properties, mechanisms, and effects on
biological systems.
Dental Relevance:
Understanding pharmacology helps hygienists anticipate oral effects (e.g.,
xerostomia) and modify care.
Why others are wrong:
• A: Too narrow
• B: Subset of pharmacology
• D: Toxicology only
2. Pharmacodynamics refers to:
A. Drug absorption and metabolism
B. What the body does to the drug
C. What the drug does to the body
D. Drug excretion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Pharmacodynamics includes mechanism of action, receptor binding, and effects.
, Dental Relevance:
Explains how local anesthetics block sodium channels → loss of sensation.
Why others are wrong:
• A, B, D: Pharmacokinetics
3. Pharmacokinetics includes which processes?
A. Binding, activation, response
B. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
C. Receptor interaction only
D. Drug toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
ADME determines drug concentration at site of action.
Dental Relevance:
Impacts timing of local anesthesia and drug duration.
Incorrect options:
• A: Pharmacodynamics
• C: Too limited
• D: Outcome, not process
4. A drug receptor is:
A. Enzyme that metabolizes drugs
B. Protein that binds drugs to produce effect
C. Blood protein
D. Transport protein only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Receptors are target macromolecules.
, Dental Relevance:
Opioid receptors → analgesia after dental procedures.
Wrong options:
• A: Metabolism
• C: Non-specific
• D: Not always transport
5. Agonists are drugs that:
A. Block receptors
B. Bind and activate receptors
C. Destroy receptors
D. Prevent metabolism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Agonists mimic endogenous substances.
Dental Relevance:
Epinephrine acts as adrenergic agonist → vasoconstriction.
Wrong options:
• A: Antagonists
• C/D: Incorrect mechanisms
6. Antagonists:
A. Activate receptors
B. Block receptor activation
C. Increase drug absorption
D. Enhance metabolism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They bind but do not activate receptors.
Published by Pearson
Mea A. Weinberg
Cheryl M. Westphal Theile
James Burke Fine
, Chapter 1: Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology
1. Pharmacology is best defined as:
A. Study of drugs used in dentistry only
B. Study of drug interactions
C. Study of drugs and their effects on living systems
D. Study of toxic substances only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Pharmacology encompasses drug sources, properties, mechanisms, and effects on
biological systems.
Dental Relevance:
Understanding pharmacology helps hygienists anticipate oral effects (e.g.,
xerostomia) and modify care.
Why others are wrong:
• A: Too narrow
• B: Subset of pharmacology
• D: Toxicology only
2. Pharmacodynamics refers to:
A. Drug absorption and metabolism
B. What the body does to the drug
C. What the drug does to the body
D. Drug excretion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Pharmacodynamics includes mechanism of action, receptor binding, and effects.
, Dental Relevance:
Explains how local anesthetics block sodium channels → loss of sensation.
Why others are wrong:
• A, B, D: Pharmacokinetics
3. Pharmacokinetics includes which processes?
A. Binding, activation, response
B. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
C. Receptor interaction only
D. Drug toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
ADME determines drug concentration at site of action.
Dental Relevance:
Impacts timing of local anesthesia and drug duration.
Incorrect options:
• A: Pharmacodynamics
• C: Too limited
• D: Outcome, not process
4. A drug receptor is:
A. Enzyme that metabolizes drugs
B. Protein that binds drugs to produce effect
C. Blood protein
D. Transport protein only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Receptors are target macromolecules.
, Dental Relevance:
Opioid receptors → analgesia after dental procedures.
Wrong options:
• A: Metabolism
• C: Non-specific
• D: Not always transport
5. Agonists are drugs that:
A. Block receptors
B. Bind and activate receptors
C. Destroy receptors
D. Prevent metabolism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Agonists mimic endogenous substances.
Dental Relevance:
Epinephrine acts as adrenergic agonist → vasoconstriction.
Wrong options:
• A: Antagonists
• C/D: Incorrect mechanisms
6. Antagonists:
A. Activate receptors
B. Block receptor activation
C. Increase drug absorption
D. Enhance metabolism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They bind but do not activate receptors.
