MCQ Quiz: Physical Energy

Physical energy is a cornerstone of overall health and a frequent concern for patients. For PharmD students, understanding the interplay of exercise physiology, nutrition, sleep, and pharmacology is crucial for providing holistic patient care. This quiz will test your knowledge on the mechanisms of energy production, the impact of medications on energy levels, and evidence-based non-pharmacological strategies to combat fatigue and enhance vitality, empowering you to better counsel your future patients.

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1. What is the primary molecule used as the immediate energy currency in cells?

• Glucose
• Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
• Glycogen
• Fatty acids

Answer: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

2. During short, high-intensity exercise, which metabolic pathway is predominantly used for ATP production?

• Aerobic respiration
• Anaerobic glycolysis
• Beta-oxidation
• Krebs cycle

Answer: Anaerobic glycolysis

3. The release of which group of neurochemicals during sustained exercise is primarily responsible for the feeling of euphoria often called a “runner’s high”?

• Catecholamines
• Serotonin
• Endorphins
• Acetylcholine

Answer: Endorphins

4. Which class of antihypertensive medications is most commonly associated with causing fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance?

• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta-blockers

Answer: Beta-blockers

5. Which of the following is considered the main storage form of glucose in the human body, primarily located in the liver and muscles?

• Glucagon
• Glycogen
• Glycerol
• Galactose

Answer: Glycogen

6. Which hormone is known as the “stress hormone” and can lead to feelings of fatigue when chronically elevated?

• Insulin
• Cortisol
• Testosterone
• Ghrelin

Answer: Cortisol

7. A patient reports significant daytime sleepiness. Which class of allergy medication is most likely to be the cause?

• Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., loratadine)
• First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
• Leukotriene modifiers (e.g., montelukast)
• Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone)

Answer: First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

8. What is the primary role of B vitamins in the body’s energy metabolism?

• They are a direct source of energy
• They act as coenzymes in metabolic pathways
• They build muscle tissue
• They regulate hydration status

Answer: They act as coenzymes in metabolic pathways

9. The process of breaking down fatty acids to generate acetyl-CoA for the Krebs cycle is called:

• Glycolysis
• Glycogenolysis
• Gluconeogenesis
• Beta-oxidation

Answer: Beta-oxidation

10. What is the physiological term for a sustained period of decreased ability to generate muscle force?

• Fatigue
• Exhaustion
• Tiredness
• Lassitude

Answer: Fatigue

11. Which dietary supplement is well-documented to improve performance in short-duration, high-intensity exercises by increasing phosphocreatine stores?

• L-Carnitine
• Glutamine
• Creatine monohydrate
• Ginseng

Answer: Creatine monohydrate

12. In the context of mind-body skills, what type of movement is designed to release physical tension and improve energy by activating the parasympathetic nervous system after the activity?

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
• Expressive movements like dancing or shaking
• Competitive weightlifting
• Sprinting

Answer: Expressive movements like dancing or shaking

13. A deficiency in which mineral is a common cause of fatigue, especially in premenopausal women?

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Zinc

Answer: Iron

14. The “fight or flight” response, which involves a rapid surge of energy, is mediated by which branch of the autonomic nervous system?

• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Enteric nervous system
• Somatic nervous system

Answer: Sympathetic nervous system

15. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of sleep related to energy restoration?

• Consolidation of memory
• Repair of muscle tissue
• Replenishment of glycogen stores
• Production of red blood cells

Answer: Production of red blood cells

16. The Cori cycle involves the transport of which substance from the muscle to the liver to be converted back into glucose?

• Pyruvate
• Lactate
• Alanine
• Glycerol

Answer: Lactate

17. A patient taking a statin complains of muscle weakness and fatigue. This may be a sign of what potential adverse effect?

• Hepatotoxicity
• Myopathy
• Nephrotoxicity
• Gastrointestinal upset

Answer: Myopathy

18. What is the primary mechanism by which caffeine increases alertness and reduces the perception of fatigue?

• Increasing dopamine release
• Antagonizing adenosine receptors
• Stimulating cortisol production
• Enhancing glucose uptake in muscles

Answer: Antagonizing adenosine receptors

19. Which type of exercise is most effective for improving cardiovascular endurance and aerobic capacity?

• Resistance training
• Flexibility and stretching
• Aerobic exercise (e.g., running, cycling)
• Anaerobic exercise (e.g., sprinting)

Answer: Aerobic exercise (e.g., running, cycling)

20. A patient with depression reports persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep. Which class of antidepressants is most likely to have a side effect profile that includes fatigue?

• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine)
• SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline)
• MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine)

Answer: Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline)

21. What is the approximate amount of caffeine in a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee?

• 20-40 mg
• 50-70 mg
• 90-120 mg
• 150-200 mg

Answer: 90-120 mg

22. Dehydration can significantly impair physical performance and energy levels. A loss of what percentage of body weight as water is generally considered the threshold for performance decline?

• 0.5%
• 2%
• 5%
• 10%

Answer: 2%

23. Which macronutrient is the most readily available source of energy for the body?

• Protein
• Fat
• Carbohydrates
• Fiber

Answer: Carbohydrates

24. The state of “overtraining” in athletes is often characterized by persistent fatigue and is associated with chronically elevated levels of which hormone?

• Testosterone
• Growth hormone
• Cortisol
• Insulin

Answer: Cortisol

25. A patient on benzodiazepine therapy for anxiety is likely to experience which side effect related to physical energy?

• Hyperactivity
• Insomnia
• Sedation and drowsiness
• Increased muscle strength

Answer: Sedation and drowsiness

26. Which of the following is NOT a component of the electron transport chain, the final stage of aerobic respiration?

• Cytochrome c
• ATP synthase
• Pyruvate dehydrogenase
• Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Answer: Pyruvate dehydrogenase

27. For sustained, low-intensity exercise, what is the body’s primary fuel source?

• Muscle glycogen
• Blood glucose
• Fatty acids
• Amino acids

Answer: Fatty acids

28. What is the term for the physiological and psychological state of being awake and reactive to stimuli?

• Attention
• Arousal
• Cognition
• Motivation

Answer: Arousal

29. Which vitamin deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and symptoms of profound fatigue?

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin K

Answer: Vitamin B12

30. The feeling of energy and focus can be enhanced by increasing the activity of which neurotransmitter in the prefrontal cortex?

• Serotonin
• GABA
• Dopamine
• Histamine

Answer: Dopamine

31. What physiological parameter is a measure of the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during incremental exercise?

• Heart Rate Maximum (HRmax)
• Lactate Threshold
• VO2 Max
• Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)

Answer: VO2 Max

32. Which type of muscle fiber is characterized by high resistance to fatigue and is used primarily for endurance activities?

• Type IIb fibers
• Type IIa fibers
• Type I (slow-twitch) fibers
• Fast-glycolytic fibers

Answer: Type I (slow-twitch) fibers

33. The concept of “active recovery” after intense exercise involves:

• Complete rest and inactivity
• Low-intensity exercise to help clear metabolic waste
• Consuming a high-protein meal immediately
• Taking a cold bath to reduce inflammation

Answer: Low-intensity exercise to help clear metabolic waste

34. Which of the following medical conditions is classically associated with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance?

• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Addison’s disease

Answer: Hypothyroidism

35. A patient complains of “crashing” in the afternoon. Which dietary practice is most likely to contribute to this?

• Eating a balanced lunch with protein, fat, and complex carbs
• Consuming a large meal high in simple sugars for lunch
• Staying well-hydrated throughout the day
• Eating small, frequent meals

Answer: Consuming a large meal high in simple sugars for lunch

36. The autonomic nervous system’s “rest and digest” functions are controlled by the:

• Sympathetic division
• Parasympathetic division
• Adrenal medulla
• Somatic nervous system

Answer: Parasympathetic division

37. How do opioid analgesics typically affect a patient’s energy level?

• They increase alertness and physical energy
• They cause drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue
• They have no effect on energy levels
• They improve exercise performance

Answer: They cause drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue

38. The process of creating new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like lactate or amino acids is known as:

• Glycolysis
• Glycogenolysis
• Gluconeogenesis
• Lipolysis

Answer: Gluconeogenesis

39. In the context of the course PHA5956, a “Garden Walk” is an example of what type of mind-body practice to improve well-being?

• High-intensity aerobic training
• Mindful movement and nature exposure
• Competitive sports
• Anaerobic power training

Answer: Mindful movement and nature exposure

40. What is the primary reason for a “cool-down” period after a workout?

• To increase muscle hypertrophy immediately
• To prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and aid recovery
• To burn a significant number of additional calories
• To maximize the “afterburn” effect

Answer: To prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and aid recovery

41. Which of these is a common symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

• Post-exertional malaise
• Increased energy after exercise
• High fever
• Rapid weight gain

Answer: Post-exertional malaise

42. The majority of ATP in a eukaryotic cell is produced in which organelle?

• Nucleus
• Ribosome
• Mitochondria
• Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer: Mitochondria

43. Which of the following is an example of a medication that can cause drug-induced anemia, leading to fatigue?

• Aspirin
• Phenytoin
• Metformin
• Loratadine

Answer: Phenytoin

44. The feeling of “hitting the wall” during a marathon is most directly caused by the depletion of what energy store?

• Adipose tissue triglycerides
• Muscle and liver glycogen
• Intramuscular ATP
• Blood proteins

Answer: Muscle and liver glycogen

45. Which of the following lifestyle factors has the most significant impact on regulating the circadian rhythm, which governs sleep-wake cycles and energy levels?

• Dietary fat intake
• Exposure to natural light
• Daily caffeine consumption
• Hydration status

Answer: Exposure to natural light

46. How does regular physical activity impact insulin sensitivity?

• It decreases insulin sensitivity
• It has no effect on insulin sensitivity
• It increases insulin sensitivity
• It causes erratic fluctuations in insulin sensitivity

Answer: It increases insulin sensitivity

47. A patient wants to start an exercise program to boost their energy. As a pharmacist, what is the most important initial advice?

• Recommend they start with high-intensity training immediately
• Advise them to purchase expensive workout gear
• Suggest they consult their physician before starting, especially if they have chronic conditions
• Tell them to focus only on weightlifting

Answer: Suggest they consult their physician before starting, especially if they have chronic conditions

48. What is the role of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, in muscle function and energy?

• They are a direct source of calories
• They are essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction
• They build and repair muscle fibers
• They primarily regulate body temperature

Answer: They are essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction

49. The central nervous system’s perception of fatigue is a protective mechanism to prevent what?

• Muscle growth
• Excessive sweating
• Peripheral tissue damage from overexertion
• An increase in heart rate

Answer: Peripheral tissue damage from overexertion

50. Which of the following best describes the pharmacist’s role in managing a patient’s physical energy?

• Prescribing stimulant medications
• Only recommending dietary supplements
• Creating a personalized high-intensity workout plan
• Reviewing medications for fatigue-inducing side effects and counseling on lifestyle modifications

Answer: Reviewing medications for fatigue-inducing side effects and counseling on lifestyle modifications