Print Options

Card layout: ?

← Back to notecard set|Easy Notecards home page

Instructions for Side by Side Printing
  1. Print the notecards
  2. Fold each page in half along the solid vertical line
  3. Cut out the notecards by cutting along each horizontal dotted line
  4. Optional: Glue, tape or staple the ends of each notecard together
  1. Verify Front of pages is selected for Viewing and print the front of the notecards
  2. Select Back of pages for Viewing and print the back of the notecards
    NOTE: Since the back of the pages are printed in reverse order (last page is printed first), keep the pages in the same order as they were after Step 1. Also, be sure to feed the pages in the same direction as you did in Step 1.
  3. Cut out the notecards by cutting along each horizontal and vertical dotted line
To print: Ctrl+PPrint as a list

195 notecards = 49 pages (4 cards per page)

Viewing:

Pharm 7

front 1

A patient with open-angle glaucoma is treated with a muscarinic stimulant applied directly to the cornea to reduce intraocular pressure while limiting systemic bradycardia. This benefit is best explained by:
A. Receptor isoform selectivity
B. Pharmacokinetic selectivity
C. Intrinsic efficacy differences
D. Allosteric receptor bias

back 1

B. Pharmacokinetic selectivity

front 2

A medical student develops diaphoresis, miosis, and bronchospasm after exposure to a cholinomimetic. The autonomic neuroeffector–junction effects of acetylcholine and similar drugs are best termed:
A. Sympatholytic effects
B. Nicotinomimetic effects
C. Adrenergic effects
D. Parasympathomimetic effects

back 2

D. Parasympathomimetic effects

front 3

A researcher classifies cholinoceptors by transmembrane signaling mechanism. Which pairing is correct?
A. Muscarinic—G protein; Nicotinic—ion channel
B. Muscarinic—ion channel; Nicotinic—G protein
C. Both are ligand-gated channels
D. Both are G protein–linked

back 3

A. Muscarinic—G protein; Nicotinic—ion channel

front 4

Which site is most consistent with muscarinic receptor localization described in autonomic pharmacology?
A. Synaptic vesicle membrane
B. Mitochondrial inner membrane
C. Effector-cell plasma membrane
D. Nuclear envelope membrane

back 4

C. Effector-cell plasma membrane

front 5

What agents bind to and activate muscarinic or nicotinic receptors? Which produce their primary effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase?

back 5

Direct-acting

front 6

Which produce their primary effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase?

back 6

Indirect-acting

front 7

A pesticide exposure causes cholinergic excess by preventing acetylcholine breakdown. The inhibited enzyme normally hydrolyzes acetylcholine into:
A. Acetate and ethanol
B. Choline and acetic acid
C. Choline and propionic acid
D. Acetyl-CoA and choline

back 7

B. Choline and acetic acid

front 8

A quaternary choline ester shows minimal CNS effects even at high doses. The most direct physicochemical explanation is that it is relatively:
A. Nonpolar in plasma
B. Highly protein-bound
C. Rapidly metabolized hepatically
D. Insoluble in lipids

back 8

D. Insoluble in lipids

front 9

Two enantiomers of bethanechol are compared in vitro. One is ~1000× more potent at muscarinic receptors. Which configuration is more potent?
A. cis-bethanechol
B. trans-bethanechol
C. (S)-bethanechol
D. (R)-bethanechol

back 9

C. (S)-bethanechol

front 10

A clinician wants the longest duration among common choline esters due to maximal resistance to cholinesterase. Which best fits?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Bethanechol
C. Choline
D. Methacholine

back 10

B. Bethanechol

front 11

A toxicology consult notes that certain natural cholinomimetic alkaloids are well absorbed from most sites because they are tertiary amines. List them:
A. pilocarpine, nicotine, lobeline
B. pilocarpine, nicotine, muscarine
C. pilocarpine, nicotine, bethanechol
D. pilocarpine, methacholine, lobeline

back 11

A. pilocarpine, nicotine, lobeline

front 12

Several people develop cholinergic toxicity after eating wild mushrooms. Which agent is specifically noted as a quaternary amine that can still enter the brain and be toxic when ingested?
A. Carbachol
B. Methacholine
C. Muscarine
D. Bethanechol

back 12

C. Muscarine

front 13

A patient ingests a tertiary-amine cholinomimetic. Which intervention would accelerate clearance based on urinary handling?
A. Urine alkalinization
B. Forced diuresis only
C. Activated charcoal only
D. Urine acidification

back 13

D. Urine acidification

front 14

A patient’s organ response to parasympathetic activation includes both direct effector changes and reduced neurotransmitter release from certain nerve terminals. The second mechanism is best described as acetylcholine acting on muscarinic receptors to:
A. Inhibit transmitter release
B. Increase transmitter release
C. Deplete vesicular stores
D. Reverse vesicle fusion

back 14

A. Inhibit transmitter release

front 15

In a salivary gland acinar cell, a muscarinic agonist produces increased secretion via a classic second-messenger cascade. Which pathway is most consistent with M1/M3/M5 activation?
A. cAMP/PKA rise
B. cGMP/PKG rise
C. IP3/DAG signaling
D. JAK/STAT signaling

back 15

C. IP3/DAG signaling

front 16

In classic studies of nicotinic receptors, which tool most directly enabled receptor labeling and isolation because it binds very tightly?
A. α-bungarotoxin
B. Atropine
C. Hexamethonium
D. Physostigmine

back 16

A. α-bungarotoxin

front 17

Why were electric organs especially useful for detailed nicotinic receptor studies?
A. Minimal receptor density
B. Exclusive M3 expression
C. No ionic currents present
D. Extremely high receptor density

back 17

D. Extremely high receptor density

front 18

A patch-clamp experiment activates neuronal nicotinic receptors. Which immediate measurable change best supports successful activation as described?
A. Nuclear transcription rise
B. Ionic conductance change
C. DNA methylation shift
D. Lysosomal pH change

back 18

B. Ionic conductance change

front 19

A pharmacologist focuses on neuronal nicotinic receptors. Their subunit composition is best described as containing:
A. Only δ and ε subunits
B. α with γ only
C. α and β only
D. α with δ only

back 19

C. α and β only

front 20

A drug is desired to produce muscarinic effects with a higher likelihood of systemic absorption from multiple administration sites compared with quaternary choline esters. Which agent best fits that property?
A. Carbachol
B. Bethanechol
C. Methacholine
D. Nicotine

back 20

D. Nicotine

front 21

A resident wants a cholinomimetic with poor CNS penetration due to hydrophilicity and limited distribution. Which choice best matches?
A. Lobeline
B. Bethanechol
C. Pilocarpine
D. Nicotine

back 21

B. Bethanechol

front 22

A patient receives a cholinesterase inhibitor and develops marked muscarinic effects. The drug class responsible for the primary pharmacologic effect is best characterized as inhibiting:
A. Acetylcholinesterase
B. Choline acetyltransferase
C. Vesicular ACh transporter
D. Nicotinic receptor opening

back 22

A. Acetylcholinesterase

front 23

A patient with open-angle glaucoma receives a muscarinic agonist drop. Which ocular action most directly produces the key pupillary change?
A. Iris radial contraction
B. Ciliary muscle relaxation
C. Lens flattening
D. Iris sphincter contraction

back 23

D. Iris sphincter contraction

front 24

After the same drop, the patient can read fine print better. Which mechanism explains this near-vision effect?
A. Ciliary muscle contraction
B. Zonal fiber tightening
C. Lens flattening
D. Pupillary dilation

back 24

A. Ciliary muscle contraction

front 25

A healthy volunteer receives a minimally effective IV acetylcholine infusion (20–50 mcg/min). What pattern is most expected?
A. Hypertension with bradycardia
B. Hypertension with tachycardia
C. Hypotension with tachycardia
D. Hypotension with bradycardia

back 25

C. Hypotension with tachycardia

front 26

With larger IV acetylcholine doses, which heart-rate response becomes prominent from direct cardiac effects?
A. Bradycardia
B. Sinus tachycardia
C. Ventricular tachycardia
D. No rate change

back 26

A. Bradycardia

front 27

A patient on higher-dose IV acetylcholine develops hypotension. Which additional finding best fits the same dose range?
A. Increased AV conduction
B. Increased SA firing
C. Increased contractility
D. Bradycardia with AV slowing

back 27

D. Bradycardia with AV slowing

front 28

In isolated atrial tissue, a muscarinic agonist directly reduces the slow inward calcium current. Which current is decreased?
A. INa
B. ICa
C. IK1
D. Ito

back 28

B. ICa

front 29

A pacemaker-cell study shows slower phase 4 depolarization after a muscarinic agonist. Which current is reduced?
A. IKs
B. IKr
C. If
D. ICa

back 29

C. If

front 30

A patient has only mild net bradycardia after a muscarinic agonist despite strong direct SA slowing. Best explanation?
A. Reflex sympathetic discharge
B. SA receptor downregulation
C. Increased vagal tone
D. Direct β1 stimulation

back 30

A. Reflex sympathetic discharge

front 31

In an artery-ring lab, endothelium is mechanically removed. Which acetylcholine vascular response is most affected?
A. Increased venous tone
B. Increased arterial stiffness
C. Enhanced smooth muscle growth
D. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation

back 31

D. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation

front 32

The receptor subtype responsible for acetylcholine-induced vasodilation on intact endothelium is:
A. M1
B. M3
C. M2
D. M5

back 32

B. M3

front 33

A vasodilatory response to muscarinic stimulation depends on release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor. The mediator is:
A. Endothelin-1
B. Thromboxane A2
C. Nitric oxide
D. Histamine

back 33

C. Nitric oxide

front 34

A patient with asthma receives a systemic muscarinic agonist. Which airway effect is most likely?
A. Bronchial smooth muscle contraction
B. Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
C. Reduced mucus secretion
D. Increased ciliary beat frequency

back 34

A. Bronchial smooth muscle contraction

front 35

After cholinomimetic exposure, a patient develops cramping and diarrhea. Which GI change best explains this?
A. Decreased motility and secretion
B. Decreased motility only
C. Increased secretion only
D. Increased motility and secretion

back 35

D. Increased motility and secretion

front 36

A muscarinic agonist is given for urinary retention. Which coordinated bladder effect promotes voiding?
A. Detrusor relaxes; sphincter contracts
B. Detrusor contracts; sphincter relaxes
C. Trigone contracts; detrusor relaxes
D. Sphincter contracts; trigone contracts

back 36

B. Detrusor contracts; sphincter relaxes

front 37

A patient on a muscarinic agonist reports watery eyes, runny nose, and heavy sweating. Which glands are directly stimulated?
A. Sebaceous glands, lacrimal, nasal
B. Apocrine sweat glands, lacrimal, nasal
C. Thermoregulatory sweat, lacrimal, nasal
D. Thyroid and parotid glands, lacrimal, nasal

back 37

C. Thermoregulatory sweat, lacrimal, nasal

front 38

A cognition study targets the muscarinic subtype richly expressed in brain regions involved in cognition. Which subtype is it?
A. M2
B. M3
C. M4
D. M1

back 38

D. M1

front 39

Despite fewer nicotinic than muscarinic receptors, nicotine and lobeline strongly affect which CNS regions?
A. Brain stem and cortex
B. Cerebellum and thalamus
C. Basal ganglia and pons
D. Spinal cord and midbrain

back 39

A. Brain stem and cortex

front 40

In hippocampal circuits, acetylcholine regulates norepinephrine release via which nicotinic receptor subtype?
A. α4β2
B. α7
C. α3β4
D. α1β1γδ

back 40

C. α3β4

front 41

A presynaptic mechanism in hippocampus and cortex limits further cholinergic signaling. What effect is described?
A. Increased acetylcholine release
B. Inhibited acetylcholine release
C. Increased norepinephrine reuptake
D. Decreased dopamine synthesis

back 41

B. Inhibited acetylcholine release

front 42

The most abundant nicotinic receptor oligomer in the brain is:
A. α3β4
B. α3
C. α7
D. α4β2

back 42

D. α4β2

front 43

Chronic nicotine exposure produces which sequence at nicotinic receptors?
A. Depolarization then desensitization
B. Desensitization then depolarization
C. Blockade then sensitization
D. Internalization then activation

back 43

A. Depolarization then desensitization

front 44

A patient ingests high-concentration nicotine and develops tremor and emesis. What additional central effect best fits?
A. Respiratory center suppression
B. Phrenic nerve blockade
C. Respiratory center stimulation
D. Central chemoreceptor inhibition

back 44

C. Respiratory center stimulation

front 45

A drug-development team targets a nicotinic subtype linked to cognition and pain perception. Which subtype matches?
A. α3
B. α7
C. α4β2
D. α3β4

back 45

B. α7

front 46

Proposed anti-inflammatory actions of α7 nicotinic receptors are based on their presence on:
A. Hepatocytes
B. Skeletal myocytes
C. Erythrocytes
D. Immune nonneuronal cells

back 46

D. Immune nonneuronal cells

front 47

Fast excitatory transmission in autonomic ganglia is primarily mediated by which nicotinic subtype?
A. α3
B. α4β2
C. α7
D. α3β4

back 47

A. α3

front 48

In autonomic ganglia and adrenal medulla, heteromeric neuronal nAChRs commonly include α3 plus:
A. β1 and β3 subunits
B. β2 only
C. β2 and β4 subunits
D. δ and ε subunits

back 48

C. β2 and β4 subunits

front 49

Compared with skeletal muscle nAChRs, nicotine has somewhat greater affinity for:
A. Neuronal nicotinic receptors
B. Muscarinic M3 receptors
C. Skeletal nicotinic receptors
D. GABA-A receptors

back 49

A. Neuronal nicotinic receptors

front 50

Which best fits deficiency? Microcystis (inadequate development of the urinary bladder), microcolon, and intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome; urinary incontinence, urinary bladder distention, and mydriasis.
A. a3
B. b2
C. b4
D. m3

back 50

D. m3

front 51

A depolarizing nicotinic agonist that is not rapidly hydrolyzed causes weakness after initial activation. The transmission block most directly reflects:
A. Depolarization blockade
B. Competitive antagonism
C. Vesicular ACh depletion
D. Presynaptic Ca2+ blockade

back 51

A. Depolarization blockade

front 52

Nicotinic agonist applied to an end plate by iontophoresis causes immediate depolarization. The primary ionic basis is increased permeability to:
A. Ca2+ and Cl−
B. Na+ and K+
C. K+ and Cl−
D. Na+ and Ca2+

back 52

B. Na+ and K+

front 53

A very brief-acting cholinesterase inhibitor is used diagnostically because it is a simple alcohol with a quaternary ammonium. Which drug fits?
A. Neostigmine
B. Physostigmine
C. Echothiophate
D. Edrophonium

back 53

D. Edrophonium

front 54

Which agent is a carbamic acid ester cholinesterase inhibitor (carbamate) used clinically?
A. Neostigmine
B. Echothiophate
C. Edrophonium
D. Sarin

back 54

A. Neostigmine

front 55

Which drug is an organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor used clinically?
A. Physostigmine
B. Neostigmine
C. Echothiophate
D. Edrophonium

back 55

C. Echothiophate

front 56

An insecticide is engineered for very high lipid solubility to speed absorption into insects and rapid CNS distribution. Which is typical?
A. Echothiophate
B. Carbaryl
C. Edrophonium
D. Physostigmine

back 56

B. Carbaryl

front 57

A clinician prefers an organophosphate with very long duration but improved stability in aqueous solution. Which agent best matches?
A. Sarin
B. Echothiophate
C. Carbaryl
D. Neostigmine

back 57

B. Echothiophate

front 58

A military exposure causes profound cholinergic crisis; the agent is an extremely potent “nerve gas.” Which is most consistent?
A. Sarin
B. Edrophonium
C. Physostigmine
D. Neostigmine

back 58

A. Sarin

front 59

A quaternary carbamate requires a much larger oral dose than parenteral dosing. The best explanation is:
A. Rapid renal secretion only
B. Extensive first-pass oxidation
C. Permanent charge limits lipids
D. High plasma protein binding

back 59

C. Permanent charge limits lipids

front 60

An AChE inhibitor is well absorbed from all sites and can be used topically in the eye. Which drug fits?
A. Neostigmine
B. Edrophonium
C. Echothiophate
D. Physostigmine

back 60

D. Physostigmine

front 61

Most organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitors are dangerous to humans because they are:
A. Poorly absorbed from skin
B. Well absorbed from mucosa
C. Selective for plasma enzymes
D. Rapidly hydrolyzed in blood

back 61

B. Well absorbed from mucosa

front 62

Which organophosphate is noted as highly polar and more stable than most others?
A. Echothiophate
B. Sarin
C. Malathion
D. Carbaryl

back 62

A. Echothiophate

front 63

You want an AChE inhibitor lasting about 5–15 minutes. Which duration matches best?
A. Physostigmine
B. Pyridostigmine
C. Edrophonium
D. Echothiophate

back 63

C. Edrophonium

front 64

A postoperative patient needs an AChE inhibitor with 0.5–4 hour action. Which agent best matches?
A. Pyridostigmine
B. Neostigmine
C. Echothiophate
D. Edrophonium

back 64

B. Neostigmine

front 65

A patient needs sustained symptomatic coverage with an AChE inhibitor lasting 4–6 hours. Which duration fits?
A. Neostigmine
B. Physostigmine
C. Echothiophate
D. Pyridostigmine

back 65

D. Pyridostigmine

front 66

A clinician selects an AChE inhibitor with 0.5–2 hour duration and good absorption from all sites. Which best fits?
A. Physostigmine
B. Edrophonium
C. Neostigmine
D. Pyridostigmine

back 66

A. Physostigmine

front 67

A glaucoma regimen uses an AChE inhibitor with ~100-hour duration. Which drug matches?
A. Neostigmine
B. Echothiophate
C. Physostigmine
D. Edrophonium

back 67

B. Echothiophate

front 68

Beyond acetylcholinesterase, these inhibitors also inhibit which enzyme?
A. Monoamine oxidase
B. Butyrylcholinesterase
C. Dopamine β-hydroxylase
D. Catechol-O-methyltransferase

back 68

B. Butyrylcholinesterase

front 69

A child with α3-subunit deficiency is evaluated. Which combination best matches the syndrome?
A. Microcolon and hyperperistalsis
B. Microcystis and microcolon
C. Megacystis and megacolon
D. Microcystis and tachycardia

back 69

B. Microcystis and microcolon

front 70

A pathologist samples adrenal medulla ganglion-like tissue. Which nAChR subunit pattern is most expected there?
A. α1β1γδ only
B. α7 only
C. α3 with β2/β4
D. α4β2 only

back 70

C. α3 with β2/β4

front 71

Quaternary agents reversibly bind _____ and by _____ bonds to the active site, thus preventing access of acetylcholine.
A. electrostatically, hydrogen
B. covalently, hydrogen
C. noncovalently, carbon
D. covalently, carbon

back 71

A. electrostatically, hydrogen

front 72

A new AChE inhibitor forms a covalent carbamoylated enzyme that is slowly hydrolyzed, prolonging recovery for 30 minutes to 6 hours. This mechanism best fits:
A. Quaternary alcohol inhibitors
B. Direct muscarinic agonists
C. Organophosphate nerve agents
D. Carbamate ester inhibitors

back 72

D. Carbamate ester inhibitors

front 73

Which pair are classic examples of carbamate ester AChE inhibitors?
A. Edrophonium and atropine
B. Neostigmine and physostigmine
C. Echothiophate and sarin
D. Pilocarpine and cevimeline

back 73

B. Neostigmine and physostigmine

front 74

The most prominent pharmacologic effects of cholinesterase inhibitors are most evident in:
A. CV, GI, eye, NMJ
B. Liver, kidney, spleen, bone
C. Thyroid, pancreas, testes, skin
D. Lung, pleura, marrow, lymph

back 74

A. CV, GI, eye, NMJ

front 75

A lipid-soluble AChE inhibitor at low concentration produces diffuse EEG activation and subjective alertness. This effect most directly reflects:
A. Neuromuscular transmission failure
B. Primary vascular smooth muscle action
C. Peripheral muscarinic blockade
D. Central cholinergic stimulation

back 75

D. Central cholinergic stimulation

front 76

At high concentrations, lipid-soluble AChE inhibitors can cause generalized convulsions followed by coma and:
A. Severe hyperthermia
B. Respiratory arrest
C. Acute hepatic necrosis
D. Ventricular fibrillation

back 76

B. Respiratory arrest

front 77

A patient exposed to an AChE inhibitor shows increased autonomic outflow. These drugs can increase activity in:
A. Only parasympathetic ganglia
B. Only sympathetic ganglia
C. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic
D. Only postganglionic terminals

back 77

C. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic

front 78

Edrophonium, neostigmine, and physostigmine most closely mimic which physiologic input on the heart?
A. Renin-angiotensin activation
B. Carotid body stimulation
C. Cardiac β1 stimulation
D. Vagal nerve activation

back 78

D. Vagal nerve activation

front 79

Cholinesterase inhibitors have minimal effects by direct action on vascular smooth muscle because:
A. Most beds lack cholinergic innervation
B. Vascular AChE is absent
C. Vascular muscle lacks muscarinic receptors
D. Blood vessels lack smooth muscle

back 79

A. Most beds lack cholinergic innervation

front 80

Moderate doses of AChE inhibitors can raise blood pressure primarily by increasing systemic:
A. Venous capacitance
B. Stroke volume
C. Vascular resistance
D. Plasma volume

back 80

C. Vascular resistance

front 81

In quaternary nitrogen AChE inhibitors, the pressor response is initiated mainly at:
A. Carotid baroreceptors
B. Sympathetic ganglia
C. Ventricular myocardium
D. Renal juxtaglomerular cells

back 81

B. Sympathetic ganglia

front 82

In lipid-soluble AChE inhibitors, the pressor response can also be initiated at:
A. Central sympathetic centers
B. Ventral horn motor neurons
C. Endothelial M3 receptors
D. AV nodal pacemakers

back 82

A. Central sympathetic centers

front 83

A patient given an AChE inhibitor develops increased BP and plasma norepinephrine; atropine prevents both. This best implies atropine acts:
A. At NMJ
B. At endothelium
C. At parasympathetic ganglia
D. In central and peripheral sites

back 83

D. In central and peripheral sites

front 84

Net cardiovascular effects of moderate-dose AChE inhibitors most often include:
A. Tachycardia with hypotension
B. Bradycardia with hypertension
C. Tachycardia with hypertension
D. Bradycardia with hypotension

back 84

B. Bradycardia with hypertension

front 85

Low therapeutic AChE inhibitor doses primarily:
A. Block physiologic ACh release
B. Decrease synaptic ACh concentration
C. Prolong released ACh effects
D. Desensitize nicotinic receptors

back 85

C. Prolong released ACh effects

front 86

A patient has weakness after a curare-like blocker. An AChE inhibitor improves strength mainly by increasing:
A. Contraction strength at NMJ
B. Myosin ATPase activity
C. Calcium release from SR
D. Sodium channel inactivation

back 86

A. Contraction strength at NMJ

front 87

A key clinical use category of cholinomimetics is treatment of:
A. Essential hypertension
B. Hyperthyroidism
C. Bacterial meningitis
D. Alzheimer’s disease

back 87

D. Alzheimer’s disease

front 88

Muscarinic stimulants and AChE inhibitors reduce intraocular pressure chiefly by:
A. Iris radial contraction
B. Decreased episcleral venous pressure
C. Ciliary body contraction
D. Increased aqueous production

back 88

C. Ciliary body contraction

front 89

In depressed smooth muscle activity without obstruction, cholinomimetics may be helpful. Before use, the clinician must exclude:
A. Hypovolemia
B. Mechanical obstruction
C. Fever
D. Hypercalcemia

back 89

B. Mechanical obstruction

front 90

Among choline ester cholinomimetics, the most widely used for GI/GU disorders is:
A. Acetylcholine
B. Bethanechol
C. Carbachol
D. Methacholine

back 90

B. Bethanechol

front 91

A patient with chronic xerostomia is treated with a long-used agent to increase salivary secretion. Which fits?
A. Pilocarpine
B. Echothiophate
C. Pyridostigmine
D. Atropine

back 91

A. Pilocarpine

front 92

A patient with Sjögren syndrome and dry mouth is started on a newer direct-acting muscarinic agonist. Which drug is intended?
A. Physostigmine
B. Cevimeline
C. Neostigmine
D. Edrophonium

back 92

B. Cevimeline

front 93

In myasthenia gravis, antibodies target the main immunogenic region on which nicotinic receptor subunit?

back 93

α1

front 94

One MG mechanism reduces receptor number, accelerating internalization and degradation. This is best described as:
A. Complement inhibition
B. Presynaptic blockade
C. Receptor cross-linking
D. Vesicular depletion

back 94

C. Receptor cross-linking

front 95

Another MG mechanism reduces transmission when antibodies bind the receptor and:
A. Inhibit receptor function
B. Increase ACh release
C. Enhance channel opening
D. Activate G proteins

back 95

A. Inhibit receptor function

front 96

A patient with generalized MG remains weak despite optimized pyridostigmine. Which adjunct is most appropriate for more widespread weakness?
A. Immunosuppressant therapy
B. Chronic β-agonist therapy
C. High-dose atropine daily
D. Long-term organophosphate

back 96

A. Immunosuppressant therapy

front 97

A bedside edrophonium test is planned for suspected MG. After baseline strength is measured, what is the initial IV dose?
A. 1 mg
B. 2 mg
C. 5 mg
D. 10 mg

back 97

B. 2 mg

front 98

No effect is seen 45 seconds after the initial edrophonium dose. What additional dose may be administered?
A. 3 mg
B. 5 mg
C. 8 mg
D. 12 mg

back 98

C. 8 mg

front 99

Following edrophonium in true MG, improvement in strength typically lasts about:
A. 30 seconds
B. 30 minutes
C. 2 hours
D. 5 minutes

back 99

D. 5 minutes

front 100

Long-term symptomatic therapy for MG is most commonly maintained with:
A. Tacrine
B. Donepezil
C. Pyridostigmine
D. Echothiophate

back 100

C. Pyridostigmine

front 101

If pyridostigmine cannot be used for MG maintenance, the classic alternative is:
A. Neostigmine
B. Physostigmine
C. Edrophonium
D. Galantamine

back 101

A. Neostigmine

front 102

Because AChE inhibitors are short-acting, pyridostigmine often requires dosing about every:
A. 2 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 12 hours

back 102

C. 6 hours

front 103

Neostigmine often requires dosing about every:
A. 4 hours
B. 6 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 24 hours

back 103

A. 4 hours

front 104

After surgery, rapid reversal of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade is commonly accomplished with:
A. Neostigmine or edrophonium
B. Tacrine or donepezil
C. Pilocarpine or cevimeline
D. Atropine or scopolamine

back 104

A. Neostigmine or edrophonium

front 105

Which toxidrome is potentially lethal in children and can cause prolonged behavioral disturbance and arrhythmias in adults?
A. Nicotine intoxication
B. Atropine intoxication
C. Cholinergic crisis
D. Opioid intoxication

back 105

B. Atropine intoxication

front 106

A suicidal ingestion causes severe muscarinic blockade and QRS widening risk. Which drug class is classically implicated?
A. SSRIs
B. Tricyclic antidepressants
C. MAO inhibitors
D. Antipsychotics

back 106

B. Tricyclic antidepressants

front 107

The first drug used for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease with anticholinesterase and other cholinomimetic actions was:
A. Tacrine
B. Rivastigmine
C. Galantamine
D. Donepezil

back 107

A. Tacrine

front 108

Which set are newer, more selective AChE inhibitors with similar marginal benefit but less toxicity than tacrine?
A. Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine
B. Neostigmine, edrophonium, physostigmine
C. Pilocarpine, cevimeline, bethanechol
D. Atropine, scopolamine, ipratropium

back 108

A. Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine

front 109

Overdose of pilocarpine or choline esters most predictably causes:
A. Muscarinic excess signs
B. Pure nicotinic blockade
C. Isolated CNS depression
D. α-adrenergic activation

back 109

A. Muscarinic excess signs

front 110

Which symptom set best matches muscarinic excess from cholinomimetic overdose?
A. Urinary urgency and sweating
B. Mydriasis and dry skin
C. Constipation and tachycardia
D. Hyperthermia and delirium

back 110

A. Urinary urgency and sweating

front 111

The most dangerous toxic effect of large nicotine doses includes central stimulation causing:
A. Hyporeflexia
B. Convulsions
C. Catatonia
D. Miosis

back 111

B. Convulsions

front 112

Another dangerous nicotine toxicity mechanism is end-plate:
A. Hyperpolarization
B. Depolarization
C. Demyelination
D. Calcium depletion

back 112

B. Depolarization

front 113

Severe nicotine toxicity can also produce hypertension with cardiac:
A. Asystole only
B. Arrhythmias
C. Tamponade
D. Pericarditis

back 113

B. Arrhythmias

front 114

The primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system is:
A. Dopamine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Acetylcholine
D. Serotonin

back 114

C. Acetylcholine

front 115

Muscarinic receptors are GPCRs with how many transmembrane domains?

back 115

7

front 116

The muscarinic receptor domain classically coupled to G proteins is the:
A. 1st extracellular loop
B. 2nd extracellular loop
C. 2nd cytoplasmic loop
D. 3rd cytoplasmic loop

back 116

D. 3rd cytoplasmic loop

front 117

Nicotinic receptors are primarily found in which set of locations?
A. Autonomic ganglia, skeletal NMJ, adrenal
B. Thyroid, liver, kidney
C. Retina, cochlea, lens
D. Spleen, pancreas, marrow

back 117

A. Autonomic ganglia, skeletal NMJ, adrenal

front 118

What agents bind to and activate muscarinic or nicotinic receptors?

back 118

Direct-acting

front 119

M2 receptor—best matching location, G protein, and pathway:
A. Heart nodes; Gi; ↓cAMP
B. CNS; Gq; IP3/DAG
C. Smooth muscle; Gq; IP3/DAG
D. Glands; Gi; ↓cAMP

back 119

A. Heart nodes; Gi; ↓cAMP

front 120

M3 receptor—best matching location, G protein, and pathway:
A. Heart; Gi; ↓cAMP
B. CNS; Gi; ↓cAMP
C. Smooth muscle/glands; Gq; IP3/DAG
D. Skeletal NMJ; ion channel

back 120

C. Smooth muscle/glands; Gq; IP3/DAG

front 121

M4 and M5 are CNS receptors. Which pairing is correct?
A. M4: Gq/IP3; M5: Gi/↓cAMP
B. M4: Gi/↓cAMP; M5: Gq/IP3
C. M4: Gs/↑cAMP; M5: Gi/↓cAMP
D. M4: ion channel; M5: Gq/IP3

back 121

B. M4: Gi/↓cAMP; M5: Gq/IP3

front 122

In a healthy artery with intact endothelium, acetylcholine activates M3 receptors. Net vascular effect is:
A. Vasoconstriction via Ca2+ influx
B. No change in vascular tone
C. Vasodilation via NO release
D. Vasoconstriction via endothelin

back 122

C. Vasodilation via NO release

front 123

The key smooth-muscle second messenger that mediates NO-driven relaxation is:
A. cGMP
B. IP3
C. cAMP
D. DAG

back 123

A. cGMP

front 124

In an endothelium-denuded vessel ring, acetylcholine most likely causes:
A. Vasodilation via prostacyclin
B. Vasodilation via NO
C. No response without endothelium
D. Vasoconstriction via IP3-Ca2+

back 124

D. Vasoconstriction via IP3-Ca2+

front 125

A direct-acting cholinomimetic produces effects primarily by:
A. Blocking vesicular ACh uptake
B. Activating M or N receptors
C. Inhibiting COMT
D. Stimulating NE release

back 125

B. Activating M or N receptors

front 126

Butyrylcholinesterase inhibition matters clinically because it can act as a:
A. Cardiac pacemaker stabilizer
B. Muscarinic receptor chaperone
C. Nicotinic channel pore blocker
D. Biological scavenger enzyme

back 126

D. Biological scavenger enzyme

front 127

Which list contains only choline ester direct agonists?
A. Nicotine, muscarine, lobeline, pilocarpine
B. ACh, methacholine, carbachol, bethanechol
C. Neostigmine, pyridostigmine, edrophonium, physostigmine
D. Atropine, scopolamine, ipratropium, tiotropium

back 127

B. ACh, methacholine, carbachol, bethanechol

front 128

Choline ester lipid insolubility is mainly due to:
A. Multiple aromatic rings
B. High molecular weight
C. Sulfhydryl side chains
D. Quaternary ammonium charge

back 128

D. Quaternary ammonium charge

front 129

Which list contains only alkaloid direct agonists?
A. ACh, methacholine, carbachol, bethanechol
B. Neostigmine, physostigmine, echothiophate, edrophonium
C. Muscarine, pilocarpine, nicotine, lobeline
D. Atropine, scopolamine, tiotropium, ipratropium

back 129

C. Muscarine, pilocarpine, nicotine, lobeline

front 130

Which agent reliably activates both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors?
A. Carbachol
B. Bethanechol
C. Pilocarpine
D. Muscarine

back 130

A. Carbachol

front 131

Neonicotinoid insecticides act primarily at:
A. Muscarinic receptors
B. GABA-A receptors
C. Nicotinic receptors
D. Dopamine receptors

back 131

C. Nicotinic receptors

front 132

In the PLC pathway, DAG primarily:
A. Releases Ca2+ from SR
B. Inhibits adenylate cyclase
C. Activates guanylyl cyclase
D. Activates protein kinase C

back 132

D. Activates protein kinase C

front 133

In the PLC pathway, IP3 primarily:
A. Opens Na+ channels
B. Releases Ca2+ from stores
C. Inhibits phosphodiesterase
D. Activates PKC directly

back 133

B. Releases Ca2+ from stores

front 134

M2 and M4 receptor signaling most directly:
A. Activates PLC
B. Activates tyrosine kinase
C. Inhibits adenylate cyclase
D. Opens NMJ Na+ channels

back 134

C. Inhibits adenylate cyclase

front 135

In cardiac tissue, muscarinic stimulation most characteristically:
A. Increases K+ flux
B. Decreases K+ flux
C. Increases Na+ flux
D. Decreases Cl− flux

back 135

A. Increases K+ flux

front 136

In autonomic ganglia and many smooth muscles, muscarinic stimulation tends to:
A. Increase K+ efflux
B. Increase K+ influx
C. Increase Ca2+ influx
D. Decrease K+ flux

back 136

D. Decrease K+ flux

front 137

With nicotinic receptors, binding both agonist sites:
A. Closes the channel rapidly
B. Prevents ion selectivity
C. Lowers opening probability
D. Greatly increases opening probability

back 137

D. Greatly increases opening probability

front 138

Binding only one nicotinic site typically:
A. Abolishes channel opening
B. Forces full channel opening
C. Increases opening probability
D. Converts receptor to GPCR

back 138

C. Increases opening probability

front 139

A glaucoma drop causes miosis and accommodation. These changes:
A. Reduce Schlemm canal flow
B. Increase aqueous outflow
C. Increase aqueous production
D. Block trabecular drainage

back 139

B. Increase aqueous outflow

front 140

The aqueous humor drainage structure most directly facilitated is the:
A. Canal of Schlemm
B. Ciliary processes
C. Vitreous chamber
D. Choroid plexus

back 140

A. Canal of Schlemm

front 141

A muscarinic agonist slows the SA node primarily by:
A. Increasing conduction velocity
B. Decreasing firing rate
C. Increasing contractile force
D. Shortening refractoriness

back 141

B. Decreasing firing rate

front 142

At the AV node, muscarinic activation most characteristically:
A. Increases conduction velocity
B. Shortens refractory period
C. Slows conduction; ↑ refractory
D. Triggers ventricular ectopy

back 142

C. Slows conduction; ↑ refractory

front 143

In the atria, muscarinic stimulation most characteristically:
A. Decreases strength; ↓ refractory
B. Increases force; ↓ refractory
C. Decreases force; ↑ refractory
D. Increases force; ↑ refractory

back 143

A. Decreases strength; ↓ refractory

front 144

In the ventricles, muscarinic stimulation produces a:
A. Large force increase
B. Small strength decrease
C. Large force decrease
D. No change in force

back 144

B. Small strength decrease

front 145

Direct cardiac muscarinic effects include increasing which current?
A. If current
B. Slow inward Ca current
C. Fast Na current
D. K current

back 145

D. K current

front 146

Direct cardiac muscarinic effects include decreasing which current?
A. Delayed rectifier K current
B. Funny If current
C. Slow inward Ca current
D. Fast Na current

back 146

C. Slow inward Ca current

front 147

Muscarinic slowing of diastolic depolarization includes reducing:
A. Hyperpolarization-activated current
B. Rapid Na current
C. Transient outward K current
D. L-type Ca current

back 147

A. Hyperpolarization-activated current

front 148

Without intact endothelium, ACh can constrict vessels because M3 on VSM triggers:
A. cGMP fall with relaxation
B. IP3-mediated Ca2+ rise
C. cAMP rise with relaxation
D. β2-mediated hyperpolarization

back 148

B. IP3-mediated Ca2+ rise

front 149

A systemic muscarinic agonist most predictably causes:
A. Bronchoconstriction
B. Bronchodilation
C. Reduced airway mucus
D. Increased dead-space ventilation

back 149

A. Bronchoconstriction

front 150

Typical GI effects of muscarinic stimulation include:
A. ↓ peristalsis; ↑ sphincters
B. ↑ peristalsis; ↑ sphincters
C. ↑ peristalsis; ↓ sphincters
D. ↓ secretion; ↑ sphincters

back 150

C. ↑ peristalsis; ↓ sphincters

front 151

A notable exception to “sphincters relax” is the:
A. Internal urethral sphincter
B. Pyloric sphincter
C. Internal anal sphincter
D. Gastroesophageal sphincter

back 151

D. Gastroesophageal sphincter

front 152

Relative abundance is best summarized as:
A. Brain muscarinic; spinal nicotinic
B. Brain nicotinic; spinal muscarinic
C. Brain muscarinic; spinal muscarinic
D. Brain nicotinic; spinal nicotinic

back 152

A. Brain muscarinic; spinal nicotinic

front 153

M1 receptors are cognition-linked; M1 knockout is associated with:
A. Increased appetite and obesity
B. Severe neuromuscular paralysis
C. Impaired forebrain plasticity
D. Loss of spinal pain reflexes

back 153

C. Impaired forebrain plasticity

front 154

Hypothalamic M3 receptor knockout is associated with:
A. Increased body fat mass
B. Increased appetite signals
C. Hyperphagia with obesity
D. Reduced appetite and fat

back 154

D. Reduced appetite and fat

front 155

Regarding autonomic ganglia, nicotine’s action on sympathetic vs parasympathetic is:
A. Same direction in both
B. Opposite direction in both
C. Only parasympathetic affected
D. Only sympathetic affected

back 155

A. Same direction in both

front 156

Nicotine’s cardiovascular effects are best described as:
A. Parasympathomimetic
B. Sympathomimetic
C. Purely muscarinic
D. Purely ganglionic block

back 156

B. Sympathomimetic

front 157

Nicotine’s GI and urinary effects are best described as:
A. Sympathomimetic
B. Antimuscarinic
C. Parasympathomimetic
D. Purely nicotinic blockade

back 157

C. Parasympathomimetic

front 158

Which agent is muscarinic-selective and a choline ester?
A. Carbachol
B. Nicotine
C. Lobeline
D. Bethanechol

back 158

D. Bethanechol

front 159

A pharmacology exam asks for two carbamate indirect-acting cholinomimetics. Which pair is correct?
A. Edrophonium, pyridostigmine
B. Neostigmine, physostigmine
C. Echothiophate, sarin
D. Pilocarpine, bethanechol

back 159

B. Neostigmine, physostigmine

front 160

A farmer presents after insecticide exposure; you suspect an organophosphate. Which set contains only organophosphate examples from your notes?
A. Echothiophate, sarin, malathion
B. Neostigmine, sarin, bethanechol
C. Edrophonium, physostigmine, sarin
D. Pilocarpine, parathion, neostigmine

back 160

A. Echothiophate, sarin, malathion

front 161

Parathion and malathion are best characterized as:
A. Active phosphates in humans
B. Quaternary carbamate salts
C. Thiophosphate prodrugs
D. Direct muscarinic agonists

back 161

C. Thiophosphate prodrugs

front 162

You need a very short-acting alcohol AChE inhibitor for bedside testing. Best choice?
A. Edrophonium
B. Neostigmine
C. Physostigmine
D. Echothiophate

back 162

A. Edrophonium

front 163

Most organophosphates are highly lipid-soluble liquids. Which exception is more aqueous-stable yet still long-acting?
A. Sarin
B. Malathion
C. Echothiophate
D. Parathion

back 163

C. Echothiophate

front 164

Which class is generally better absorbed and therefore more dangerous to humans (and effective insecticides)?
A. Quaternary alcohols
B. Carbamates
C. Choline esters
D. Organophosphates

back 164

D. Organophosphates

front 165

Which group typically has poor absorption because of permanent charge, requiring larger oral doses?
A. Lipid-soluble organophosphates
B. Quaternary carbamates
C. Thiophosphate nerve gases
D. Tertiary AChE inhibitors

back 165

B. Quaternary carbamates

front 166

Carbamate and organophosphate AChE inhibitors share a key step: after binding AChE, the ____ portion leaves rapidly.
A. Phosphate portion
B. Carbamate ion
C. Alcohol portion
D. Acetyl portion

back 166

C. Alcohol portion

front 167

In that same shared mechanism, the ____ remains bound and is released slowly.
A. Acidic portion
B. Alcohol portion
C. Choline portion
D. Water molecule

back 167

A. Acidic portion

front 168

The functional result of carbamate/organophosphate AChE inhibition is best summarized as:
A. Increased choline uptake
B. Increased ACh synthesis
C. Direct receptor antagonism
D. Blocked ACh hydrolysis

back 168

D. Blocked ACh hydrolysis

front 169

Rank duration (longest → shortest): edrophonium, carbamates, organophosphates.
A. Carbamates > edrophonium > organophosphates
B. Organophosphates > carbamates > edrophonium
C. Edrophonium > organophosphates > carbamates
D. Organophosphates > edrophonium > carbamates

back 169

B. Organophosphates > carbamates > edrophonium

front 170

A student asks what is most prescribed now for chronic glaucoma (instead of cholinomimetics). Best answer?
A. Pilocarpine plus neostigmine
B. Atropine plus timolol
C. PG analogs and topical β-blockers
D. Methacholine and acetazolamide

back 170

C. PG analogs and topical β-blockers

front 171

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Initial medical therapy commonly includes:
A. Pilocarpine
B. Donepezil
C. Atropine
D. Varenicline

back 171

A. Pilocarpine

front 172

After IOP control in angle-closure glaucoma, definitive correction is typically:
A. Trabeculectomy
B. Cataract extraction
C. Vitrectomy
D. Laser iridotomy

back 172

D. Laser iridotomy

front 173

A 5-year-old with hyperopia develops strabismus triggered by focusing effort. This fits:
A. Convergence spasm
B. Accommodative esotropia
C. CN VI palsy
D. Internuclear ophthalmoplegia

back 173

B. Accommodative esotropia

front 174

Non-obstructive GI dysmotility (eg, post-op ileus): which drug is usually used?
A. Neostigmine
B. Echothiophate
C. Pilocarpine
D. Bethanechol

back 174

D. Bethanechol

front 175

Bethanechol’s clinical profile is best described as:
A. Increases GI/GU motility, secretions
B. Selective nicotinic ganglionic blocker
C. CNS-only acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
D. Long-acting organophosphate insecticide

back 175

A. Increases GI/GU motility, secretions

front 176

Another MG mechanism reduces transmission via:
A. Terminal sprouting failure
B. Reduced ACh synthesis
C. Postsynaptic membrane lysis
D. Increased ACh breakdown

back 176

C. Postsynaptic membrane lysis

front 177

MG antibodies can also bind the receptor and:
A. Increase channel open time
B. Inhibit receptor function
C. Enhance ACh release
D. Activate G proteins

back 177

B. Inhibit receptor function

front 178

A patient has ptosis and fatigable proximal weakness. Which bedside diagnostic drug is used IV?
A. Pyridostigmine
B. Bethanechol
C. Donepezil
D. Edrophonium

back 178

D. Edrophonium

front 179

MG patients are notably sensitive to which agents during anesthesia?
A. Curariform blockers
B. β-agonists
C. Nitrates
D. Acetazolamide

back 179

A. Curariform blockers

front 180

A nondepolarizing neuromuscular relaxant listed as an anesthesia adjunct is:
A. Pancuronium
B. Succinylcholine
C. Lidocaine
D. Diazepam

back 180

A. Pancuronium

front 181

Immediate reversal of pharmacologic nondepolarizing paralysis post-op commonly uses:
A. Donepezil and rivastigmine
B. Pilocarpine and bethanechol
C. Neostigmine and edrophonium
D. Malathion and parathion

back 181

C. Neostigmine and edrophonium

front 182

Which finding is least consistent with classic AChE inhibitor toxicity (DUMBBELS)?
A. Bronchospasm
B. Lacrimation
C. Bradycardia
D. Mydriasis

back 182

D. Mydriasis

front 183

Flaccid paralysis in severe AChE inhibitor poisoning is most directly due to:
A. NMJ AChR overactivation
B. Direct myosin inhibition
C. Na+ channel blockade
D. NMJ receptor destruction

back 183

A. NMJ AChR overactivation

front 184

A patient eats Inocybe mushrooms and develops salivation, diarrhea, bronchospasm. Best antidote?
A. Pralidoxime
B. Physostigmine
C. Atropine
D. Neostigmine

back 184

C. Atropine

front 185

Nicotine replacement with varenicline works because it is a partial agonist at:
A. α7 nAChR
B. α4β2 nAChR
C. M2 receptor
D. GABA-A receptor

back 185

B. α4β2 nAChR

front 186

Varenicline reduces nicotine reinforcement mainly by reducing presynaptic:
A. GABA release
B. Serotonin release
C. NE reuptake
D. Dopamine release

back 186

D. Dopamine release

front 187

The major cause of acute cholinergic toxicity worldwide is exposure to:
A. Organophosphate insecticides
B. Tricyclic antidepressants
C. Belladonna alkaloids
D. Antihistamines

back 187

A. Organophosphate insecticides

front 188

In organophosphate poisoning, which drug restores AChE activity at muscarinic/nicotinic sites but not CNS?
A. Donepezil
B. Atropine
C. Pralidoxime
D. Pilocarpine

back 188

C. Pralidoxime

front 189

In organophosphate poisoning, which drug reverses central and peripheral muscarinic toxicity but not flaccid paralysis?
A. Pralidoxime
B. Atropine
C. Pyridostigmine
D. Rivastigmine

back 189

B. Atropine

front 190

Chronic cholinesterase inhibitor exposure can cause delayed neuropathy via NTE inhibition. Prototype agent?
A. Malathion
B. Echothiophate
C. Sarin
D. Triorthocresyl phosphate

back 190

D. Triorthocresyl phosphate

front 191

Which cholinomimetic is used for asthma challenge testing due to bronchoconstriction?
A. Bethanechol
B. Methacholine
C. Pilocarpine
D. Varenicline

back 191

B. Methacholine

front 192

Varenicline use may be limited by which adverse-effect cluster?
A. Nephrolithiasis, rash, anemia
B. Hypotension, bradycardia, syncope
C. Hepatitis, pancreatitis, arrhythmia
D. Nausea, insomnia, psychiatric worsening

back 192

D. Nausea, insomnia, psychiatric worsening

front 193

Typical severe organophosphate poisoning progression is best described as:
A. Nicotinic → CNS → muscarinic
B. Muscarinic → CNS → nicotinic
C. CNS → muscarinic → nicotinic
D. CNS → nicotinic → muscarinic

back 193

B. Muscarinic → CNS → nicotinic

front 194

Pralidoxime’s limitation in organophosphate poisoning is that it:
A. Cannot enter CNS
B. Worsens bronchospasm
C. Blocks nicotinic receptors
D. Causes irreversible AChE inhibition

back 194

A. Cannot enter CNS

front 195

Parathion and malathion insecticides are “inactive” because they require conversion to:
A. Carbamate derivatives
B. Quaternary alcohols
C. Phosphate derivatives
D. Muscarinic antagonists

back 195

C. Phosphate derivatives