Women’s health is a diverse and dynamic area of pharmacotherapy that spans a woman’s entire life, from contraception to the management of menopause and osteoporosis. Pharmacists are key providers of care and education in this field, a responsibility highlighted in the dedicated “Women’s Health” module of the Patient Care 5 curriculum. This quiz will test your knowledge of managing hormonal contraception, hormone therapy for menopause, osteoporosis, and preventative health strategies for women, all essential topics for a well-rounded pharmacist.
1. The primary mechanism by which combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) prevent pregnancy is:
- a. Thickening of cervical mucus only.
- b. Inhibition of ovulation.
- c. Preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.
- d. Acting as a spermicide.
Answer: b. Inhibition of ovulation.
2. A patient with a uterus requires hormone therapy for vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Which regimen is most appropriate?
- a. Estrogen therapy alone.
- b. Progestin therapy alone.
- c. Both estrogen and progestin therapy.
- d. A non-selective beta-blocker.
Answer: c. Both estrogen and progestin therapy.
3. Why must a progestin be included in the hormone therapy regimen for a woman with a uterus?
- a. To enhance the effect of estrogen on hot flashes.
- b. To oppose the effect of estrogen on the endometrium and prevent endometrial hyperplasia.
- c. To improve bone mineral density.
- d. To decrease the risk of blood clots.
Answer: b. To oppose the effect of estrogen on the endometrium and prevent endometrial hyperplasia.
4. What is the most common cause of osteoporosis in women?
- a. A high-calcium diet.
- b. A sedentary lifestyle.
- c. Estrogen deficiency following menopause.
- d. Chronic use of NSAIDs.
Answer: c. Estrogen deficiency following menopause.
5. The “Management of Osteoporosis” is a specific learning module in which course?
- a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
- b. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
- c. PHA5703 Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- d. PHA5878C Patient Care 3
Answer: a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
6. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to the use of combined hormonal contraceptives?
- a. A history of acne.
- b. A history of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- c. Dysmenorrhea.
- d. A desire to prevent pregnancy.
Answer: b. A history of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
7. A key counseling point for a patient starting progestin-only pills (“mini-pill”) is:
- a. The timing of the dose can be flexible by several hours.
- b. It must be taken at the same time every day, within a strict 3-hour window.
- c. It is more effective than combined hormonal contraceptives.
- d. It can be stopped at any time without a backup method.
Answer: b. It must be taken at the same time every day, within a strict 3-hour window.
8. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is a key preventative measure for women’s health because it protects against:
- a. Genital herpes
- b. Chlamydia
- c. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.
- d. Bacterial vaginosis
Answer: c. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.
9. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is an emergency contraceptive that is most effective when taken:
- a. Up to 1 week after unprotected intercourse.
- b. As soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
- c. Before unprotected intercourse.
- d. At the time of expected menses.
Answer: b. As soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
10. What is the primary mechanism of action for emergency contraceptives like levonorgestrel?
- a. They are abortifacients.
- b. They primarily work by delaying or inhibiting ovulation.
- c. They act as a spermicide.
- d. They destroy the uterine lining.
Answer: b. They primarily work by delaying or inhibiting ovulation.
11. The “Contraception” and “Menopause” lectures are part of the Patient Care 5 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
12. The vasomotor symptoms of menopause include:
- a. Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia.
- b. Osteoporosis and fractures.
- c. Hot flashes and night sweats.
- d. Mood swings and depression.
Answer: c. Hot flashes and night sweats.
13. A patient is prescribed alendronate for osteoporosis. What is a critical counseling point?
- a. Take it with a full glass of milk.
- b. Take it at bedtime to sleep through any GI upset.
- c. Take it on an empty stomach with plain water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes.
- d. It can be crushed or chewed.
Answer: c. Take it on an empty stomach with plain water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes.
14. Which of the following is NOT a component of a combined hormonal contraceptive?
- a. Ethinyl estradiol
- b. Norethindrone
- c. Levonorgestrel
- d. Raloxifene
Answer: d. Raloxifene
15. A woman who is >35 years old and smokes >15 cigarettes per day should not use which type of contraception due to an increased cardiovascular risk?
- a. A progestin-only pill
- b. A copper IUD
- c. A combined hormonal contraceptive
- d. A barrier method
Answer: c. A combined hormonal contraceptive
16. The “Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections” is a lecture within the Women’s Health module.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
17. Depo-Provera (DMPA) is an injectable contraceptive that carries a black box warning for:
- a. Increased risk of VTE.
- b. A significant loss of bone mineral density.
- c. An increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- d. Severe liver injury.
Answer: b. A significant loss of bone mineral density.
18. Which non-hormonal therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause?
- a. Black cohosh
- b. Gabapentin
- c. An SSRI like paroxetine.
- d. Clonidine
Answer: c. An SSRI like paroxetine.
19. For a woman experiencing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal dryness) without other menopausal symptoms, what is the preferred treatment?
- a. Systemic estrogen/progestin therapy.
- b. A high-dose oral estrogen.
- c. A low-dose topical vaginal estrogen product.
- d. An oral SERM like raloxifene.
Answer: c. A low-dose topical vaginal estrogen product.
20. An active learning session on women’s health is part of the Patient Care 5 course.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
21. A patient misses two active pills in the second week of her combined oral contraceptive pack. What should she do?
- a. Stop the pack and start a new one on Sunday.
- b. Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible, continue the rest of the pack as usual, and use backup contraception for 7 days.
- c. Skip the missed pills and continue the pack as normal without backup contraception.
- d. Take all the missed pills at once when she remembers.
Answer: b. Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible, continue the rest of the pack as usual, and use backup contraception for 7 days.
22. Which emergency contraceptive is available by prescription only and may be more effective than levonorgestrel, especially closer to the 120-hour mark?
- a. A copper IUD
- b. High-dose estrogen pills
- c. Ulipristal acetate (Ella)
- d. A double dose of Plan B.
Answer: c. Ulipristal acetate (Ella)
23. The pharmacist’s role in women’s health includes:
- a. Counseling on proper use of contraception.
- b. Screening for contraindications to hormone therapy.
- c. Recommending appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
24. An active learning session on women’s health is part of which course?
- a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
- b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
- c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
- d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2
Answer: a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
25. A patient with a history of migraine with aura should avoid which class of contraceptives?
- a. Progestin-only pills
- b. Combined hormonal contraceptives
- c. Copper IUDs
- d. Barrier methods
Answer: b. Combined hormonal contraceptives
26. The “ACHES” acronym is used to counsel patients on the warning signs of serious adverse effects from combined hormonal contraceptives. The “A” stands for:
- a. Arm pain
- b. Anxiety
- c. Abdominal pain (severe)
- d. Amenorrhea
Answer: c. Abdominal pain (severe)
27. Which of the following is NOT a progestin-only method of contraception?
- a. Norethindrone mini-pill
- b. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection
- c. Levonorgestrel IUD
- d. Ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate transdermal patch
Answer: d. Ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate transdermal patch
28. An active learning session on women’s health is part of which course module?
- a. Module 3: Women’s Health
- b. Module 1: Diabetes Mellitus
- c. Module 4: Medication Safety
- d. Module 8: Men’s Health
Answer: a. Module 3: Women’s Health
29. The management of osteoporosis is a lecture within the Women’s Health module.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
30. The “Introduction to Women’s Health” is a lecture within the Patient Care 5 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
31. The primary purpose of an annual well-woman visit is:
- a. To get prescriptions refilled.
- b. To receive preventative screenings like a Pap test and discuss health maintenance.
- c. To treat acute illnesses only.
- d. To discuss cosmetic procedures.
Answer: b. To receive preventative screenings like a Pap test and discuss health maintenance.
32. Iron-deficiency anemia is a common issue in premenopausal women due to:
- a. Poor diet only
- b. Menstrual blood loss
- c. Lack of exercise
- d. High calcium intake
Answer: b. Menstrual blood loss
33. The most effective method of emergency contraception is:
- a. Levonorgestrel
- b. Ulipristal acetate
- c. The copper IUD
- d. High-dose oral contraceptive pills.
Answer: c. The copper IUD
34. A key benefit of progestin-only contraceptives is that they can be used by women who have contraindications to:
- a. Progestin
- b. Estrogen
- c. All hormones
- d. NSAIDs
Answer: b. Estrogen
35. A pharmacist dispensing a prescription for ulipristal acetate should check if the patient is currently using what other type of medication, as it may reduce efficacy?
- a. An antibiotic
- b. A hormonal contraceptive
- c. A statin
- d. An antidepressant
Answer: b. A hormonal contraceptive
36. A patient is using the transdermal contraceptive patch. She should be counseled to:
- a. Apply a new patch every day.
- b. Apply a new patch once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week.
- c. Place the patch on her breast.
- d. Use the same application site every week.
Answer: b. Apply a new patch once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week.
37. Which of the following is a non-hormonal method of contraception?
- a. The vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
- b. The copper IUD (ParaGard)
- c. The etonogestrel implant (Nexplanon)
- d. The depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection
Answer: b. The copper IUD (ParaGard)
38. The “Emergency Contraception” lecture is part of which course?
- a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
- b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
- c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
- d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2
Answer: a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
39. A patient wants to use continuous-cycle oral contraceptives to skip her periods. The pharmacist should counsel her that:
- a. This is an unsafe practice.
- b. This is an acceptable practice, and she may experience some breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months.
- c. This will make the contraceptive less effective.
- d. This is only possible with progestin-only pills.
Answer: b. This is an acceptable practice, and she may experience some breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months.
40. An active learning session covering women’s health is part of which course?
- a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
- b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
- c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
- d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2
Answer: a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
41. The primary goal of osteoporosis therapy is to:
- a. Increase bone density on a DEXA scan.
- b. Prevent fractures.
- c. Cure the disease.
- d. Relieve pain.
Answer: b. Prevent fractures.
42. A patient experiences breakthrough bleeding during the first three months of starting a new combined oral contraceptive. The pharmacist should advise her to:
- a. Stop the pill immediately and use a backup method.
- b. Continue taking the pill as this is a common side effect that often resolves after the first few cycles.
- c. Double the dose of her pills.
- d. Switch to a different brand.
Answer: b. Continue taking the pill as this is a common side effect that often resolves after the first few cycles.
43. A key role for the pharmacist in women’s health is to provide:
- a. A definitive diagnosis.
- b. Non-judgmental and confidential patient care and education.
- c. Surgical consultations.
- d. Only brand name medications.
Answer: b. A non-judgmental and confidential patient care and education.
44. What is the definition of menopause?
- a. The onset of the first menstrual period.
- b. The period of time leading up to the final menstrual period.
- c. The final menstrual period, confirmed after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea.
- d. A condition of hormone excess.
Answer: c. The final menstrual period, confirmed after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea.
45. Which of the following is a potential risk of long-term, systemic hormone therapy for menopause?
- a. Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- b. Stroke
- c. Breast cancer (with combination E+P therapy)
- d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
46. Counseling patients on the appropriate use of medications and devices is a key objective for student pharmacists.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
47. The “ACHES” warning signs for CHCs help patients identify potential signs of a:
- a. Harmless side effect
- b. Serious cardiovascular event like a blood clot or stroke.
- c. Pregnancy
- d. Fungal infection
Answer: b. Serious cardiovascular event like a blood clot or stroke.
48. An active learning session on women’s health is part of which course?
- a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
- b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
- c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
- d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2
Answer: a. PHA5787C Patient Care 5
49. The overall management of women’s health issues like contraception and menopause requires:
- a. A “one-size-fits-all” approach.
- b. A patient-centered approach involving shared decision-making.
- c. The use of the most expensive therapy available.
- d. A focus on non-pharmacologic therapy only.
Answer: b. A patient-centered approach involving shared decision-making.
50. The ultimate goal of learning about women’s health is to:
- a. Empower pharmacists to provide safe, effective, and individualized care that respects patient autonomy and improves health outcomes.
- b. Be able to recommend a specific brand of oral contraceptive.
- c. Pass the endocrinology module.
- d. Memorize all the different types of progestins.
Answer: a. Empower pharmacists to provide safe, effective, and individualized care that respects patient autonomy and improves health outcomes.