Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is an example of a drug-disease interaction?

1. A patient taking warfarin and aspirin is at risk for bleeding

2. Beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with asthma

3. Patients taking simvastatin should not drink grapefruit juice

4. A patient taking rifampicin has orange-colored urine

The correct answer is: Beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with asthma

Beta-blockers being contraindicated in patients with asthma is an example of a drug-disease interaction because it specifically highlights the relationship between a medication and a pre-existing health condition. In this case, beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, which may exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. Asthma is characterized by airway constriction and inflammation, and the use of a medication that can potentially worsen these symptoms poses a direct risk to the patient’s respiratory health. Understanding the implications of drug-disease interactions is essential for pharmacy professionals, as it helps to ensure patient safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes. When managing a patient’s medication regimen, it is crucial to assess their medical history, including any chronic diseases such as asthma, to select appropriate therapies that do not conflict with their existing conditions. The other options presented do illustrate interactions, but they do not specifically encompass the concept of drug-disease interactions as clearly as the correct choice does. For example, the interaction between warfarin and aspirin involves two medications, simvastatin and grapefruit juice concerns dietary considerations impacting drug metabolism, and rifampicin affecting urine color relates more to a side effect rather than a direct impact of the drug on an underlying disease state. Each of these examples demonstrates important interactions but does