Nutrition and weight management are integral to preventing and treating a wide range of chronic diseases. As medication experts, pharmacists are increasingly involved in this crucial area of patient care, from counseling on vitamin deficiencies to managing complex pharmacotherapy for obesity. The PharmD curriculum, through dedicated modules in courses like Patient Care 4, provides a comprehensive foundation in this topic. This quiz will test your knowledge on the principles of nutrition, the assessment and management of obesity, the pharmacology of weight loss agents, and special considerations for populations like pediatric and bariatric surgery patients.
1. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32 kg/m² would classify a patient as:
- a. Overweight
- b. Obesity Class I
- c. Obesity Class II
- d. Obesity Class III
Answer: b. Obesity Class I
2. Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?
- a. Vitamin C
- b. Vitamin B12
- c. Vitamin D
- d. Thiamin
Answer: c. Vitamin D
3. Orlistat is a weight loss agent that works by which mechanism?
- a. Suppressing appetite in the central nervous system.
- b. Increasing metabolism via thyroid stimulation.
- c. Acting as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- d. Inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases, which reduces fat absorption.
Answer: d. Inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases, which reduces fat absorption.
4. A patient taking orlistat should be counseled about what common gastrointestinal side effect?
- a. Constipation
- b. Heartburn
- c. Flatus with oily discharge and fecal urgency
- d. Nausea
Answer: c. Flatus with oily discharge and fecal urgency
5. According to clinical guidelines, pharmacotherapy for weight loss can be considered for patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² or a BMI ≥ ____ kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
- a. 25
- b. 27
- c. 29
- d. 35
Answer: b. 27
6. The “Pharmacology of Weight Loss Agents/Stimulants” is a specific learning module in which course?
- a. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
- b. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
- c. PHA5703 Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- d. PHA5878C Patient Care 3
Answer: a. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
7. Phentermine/topiramate is a combination weight loss product. It is contraindicated in patients with:
- a. Hypertension
- b. Diabetes
- c. Glaucoma and during pregnancy
- d. Asthma
Answer: c. Glaucoma and during pregnancy
8. Liraglutide and semaglutide are weight loss agents that belong to which drug class?
- a. Serotonin antagonists
- b. Lipase inhibitors
- c. GLP-1 receptor agonists
- d. Dopamine agonists
Answer: c. GLP-1 receptor agonists
9. After bariatric surgery, patients are at high risk for nutrient deficiencies and require lifelong supplementation with:
- a. Only calcium and vitamin D.
- b. Only iron.
- c. A comprehensive regimen including multivitamins, B12, iron, and calcium.
- d. A high-protein supplement only.
Answer: c. A comprehensive regimen including multivitamins, B12, iron, and calcium.
10. What is a key pharmacokinetic consideration for patients after bariatric surgery?
- a. Drug absorption may be significantly altered.
- b. All drugs will have increased bioavailability.
- c. Renal clearance is enhanced.
- d. Drug metabolism is completely halted.
Answer: a. Drug absorption may be significantly altered.
11. The management of pediatric obesity is a specific topic within the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
12. Deficiency of which vitamin leads to a condition known as scurvy?
- a. Vitamin A
- b. Vitamin D
- c. Vitamin K
- d. Vitamin C
Answer: d. Vitamin C
13. Naltrexone/bupropion is a combination product for weight management. The bupropion component can increase the risk of what adverse effect?
- a. Sedation
- b. Weight gain
- c. Seizures
- d. Bradycardia
Answer: c. Seizures
14. A realistic and clinically significant weight loss goal for an obese patient is:
- a. 25% of body weight in one month.
- b. 5-10% of initial body weight over six months.
- c. To reach their ideal body weight within 3 months.
- d. To lose 50 pounds, regardless of starting weight.
Answer: b. 5-10% of initial body weight over six months.
15. A key counseling point for a patient taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss is:
- a. The medication is an oral tablet taken three times a day.
- b. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially upon initiation.
- c. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach.
- d. There are no known side effects.
Answer: b. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially upon initiation.
16. The “Effects of Vitamin Deficiencies” is a lecture topic within the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
17. Which of the following is NOT a component of a comprehensive weight management plan?
- a. A reduced-calorie diet
- b. Increased physical activity
- c. Behavioral therapy
- d. A guaranteed-to-work herbal supplement
Answer: d. A guaranteed-to-work herbal supplement
18. A patient taking orlistat should also be counseled to take what supplement, separated by at least 2 hours?
- a. Vitamin C
- b. A fat-soluble multivitamin (A, D, E, K)
- c. A B-complex vitamin
- d. An iron supplement
Answer: b. A fat-soluble multivitamin (A, D, E, K)
19. Which of the following is a short-term appetite suppressant that works by increasing the release of norepinephrine?
- a. Orlistat
- b. Liraglutide
- c. Phentermine
- d. Naltrexone
Answer: c. Phentermine
20. The “Transcending Concept” on obesity and bariatric dosing is part of which course?
- a. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
- b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
- c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
- d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2
Answer: a. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
21. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) can lead to which type of anemia?
- a. Microcytic anemia
- b. Normocytic anemia
- c. Macrocytic (megaloblastic) anemia
- d. Hemolytic anemia
Answer: c. Macrocytic (megaloblastic) anemia
22. Which weight loss medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection?
- a. Phentermine/topiramate
- b. Orlistat
- c. Naltrexone/bupropion
- d. Semaglutide
Answer: d. Semaglutide
23. The “Introduction to Obesity” is a lecture topic within the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
24. When should weight loss pharmacotherapy be discontinued?
- a. After 1 week if no weight loss is seen.
- b. After 12 weeks if the patient has not achieved at least 5% weight loss.
- c. As soon as the patient reaches their goal weight.
- d. It should never be discontinued.
Answer: b. After 12 weeks if the patient has not achieved at least 5% weight loss.
25. A patient who has had bariatric surgery should be advised to avoid which type of medication formulation?
- a. Liquids
- b. Chewable tablets
- c. Extended-release (ER/XL) or large tablets
- d. Orally disintegrating tablets
Answer: c. Extended-release (ER/XL) or large tablets
26. The primary role of a pharmacist in weight management is to:
- a. Prescribe weight loss medications.
- b. Perform bariatric surgery.
- c. Provide counseling on lifestyle, screen for contraindications, and manage pharmacotherapy.
- d. Sell over-the-counter supplements exclusively.
Answer: c. Provide counseling on lifestyle, screen for contraindications, and manage pharmacotherapy.
27. What is the mechanism of action of the naltrexone component in naltrexone/bupropion?
- a. It is an opioid antagonist that blocks the autoinhibitory feedback of POMC cells.
- b. It is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
- c. It is a lipase inhibitor.
- d. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Answer: a. It is an opioid antagonist that blocks the autoinhibitory feedback of POMC cells.
28. A balanced diet for weight management should emphasize:
- a. High intake of processed foods.
- b. Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- c. Sugar-sweetened beverages.
- d. High intake of saturated and trans fats.
Answer: b. Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
29. The self-care and herbal supplement aspect of weight loss is covered in the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
30. Which of the following is a common “herbal” supplement marketed for weight loss that primarily acts as a stimulant?
- a. Melatonin
- b. Glucosamine
- c. Green tea extract (caffeine)
- d. St. John’s Wort
Answer: c. Green tea extract (caffeine)
31. Phentermine is classified as a controlled substance due to its:
- a. Potential for abuse and dependence.
- b. High cost.
- c. Risk of liver toxicity.
- d. Severe gastrointestinal side effects.
Answer: a. Potential for abuse and dependence.
32. Deficiency of which vitamin can lead to night blindness?
- a. Vitamin C
- b. Vitamin B6
- c. Vitamin K
- d. Vitamin A
Answer: d. Vitamin A
33. The topiramate component of phentermine/topiramate helps with weight loss and requires slow titration to minimize what type of side effects?
- a. Gastrointestinal
- b. Cardiovascular
- c. Cognitive (e.g., memory impairment, confusion)
- d. Dermatologic
Answer: c. Cognitive (e.g., memory impairment, confusion)
34. What is the cornerstone of any effective weight management plan?
- a. Pharmacotherapy
- b. Bariatric surgery
- c. Lifestyle modification (diet and exercise)
- d. Herbal supplements
Answer: c. Lifestyle modification (diet and exercise)
35. A patient on naltrexone/bupropion for weight loss who requires treatment for acute pain should avoid using:
- a. Acetaminophen
- b. Ibuprofen
- c. Opioid analgesics
- d. Aspirin
Answer: c. Opioid analgesics
36. Sports nutrition is a topic covered in the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
37. For an athlete, when is the most critical time to consume carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores?
- a. Immediately before exercise.
- b. During exercise.
- c. In the period immediately following exercise.
- d. Several days after exercise.
Answer: c. In the period immediately following exercise.
38. The primary risk of most OTC weight loss supplements is:
- a. They are too effective.
- b. They are often ineffective and may contain undisclosed or harmful stimulants.
- c. They are too expensive.
- d. They are regulated as strictly as prescription drugs.
Answer: b. They are often ineffective and may contain undisclosed or harmful stimulants.
39. A “calorie deficit” means:
- a. Consuming more calories than you expend.
- b. Consuming fewer calories than you expend.
- c. Consuming only one type of food.
- d. Not counting calories.
Answer: b. Consuming fewer calories than you expend.
40. The pharmacotherapy of weight loss is a lecture topic within the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
41. Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin?
- a. Vitamin A
- b. Vitamin E
- c. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- d. Vitamin K
Answer: c. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
42. GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed for the treatment of what condition?
- a. Hypertension
- b. Type 2 Diabetes
- c. Hyperlipidemia
- d. Gout
Answer: b. Type 2 Diabetes
43. A major counseling point for phentermine is its potential to:
- a. Cause drowsiness.
- b. Lower blood pressure.
- c. Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- d. Cause weight gain.
Answer: c. Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
44. After bariatric surgery, a patient requires a proton pump inhibitor. Which formulation would be most appropriate?
- a. A large extended-release tablet.
- b. An enteric-coated tablet.
- c. A powder for suspension or a capsule that can be opened.
- d. A regular-sized tablet.
Answer: c. A powder for suspension or a capsule that can be opened.
45. Which of the following is NOT a criterion for initiating weight loss pharmacotherapy?
- a. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²
- b. A desire to lose 5 pounds for cosmetic reasons.
- c. BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with comorbid hypertension.
- d. A failure to achieve adequate weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.
Answer: b. A desire to lose 5 pounds for cosmetic reasons.
46. Deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to:
- a. Anemia
- b. Impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding.
- c. Pellagra
- d. Scurvy
Answer: b. Impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding.
47. A patient wants to lose weight and asks about a “fat burner” supplement containing bitter orange. The pharmacist should warn the patient that this supplement contains synephrine, which is chemically similar to:
- a. Caffeine
- b. Ephedrine
- c. Aspirin
- d. Orlistat
Answer: b. Ephedrine
48. An active learning session on weight loss is part of the Patient Care 4 curriculum.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
49. The goal of using pharmacotherapy for weight loss is to:
- a. Replace the need for diet and exercise.
- b. Act as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help patients achieve and maintain clinically significant weight loss.
- c. Guarantee a weight loss of over 100 pounds.
- d. Be a short-term, one-month solution.
Answer: b. Act as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help patients achieve and maintain clinically significant weight loss.
50. The ultimate role of the pharmacist in nutrition and weight management is to:
- a. Provide personalized meal plans for all patients.
- b. Act as an accessible resource for evidence-based information on lifestyle, self-care, and pharmacotherapy.
- c. Perform bariatric surgery consultations.
- d. Discourage all patients from trying to lose weight.
Answer: b. Act as an accessible resource for evidence-based information on lifestyle, self-care, and pharmacotherapy.