Pharmacology: Vitamins: Quiz

On average, women between the ages of 51 and 70 require how many milligrams of calcium each day?

1,200 mg The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium for women in this age range is 1,200 milligrams. Calcium is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. Vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, and fish with soft bones, such as canned salmon and sardines, also provide calcium. Calcium maintains the strength and health of the bones and teeth, where it is stored in the body. It also plays an important role in the normal functioning of the blood vessels, muscles, and nerves.

The human body requires how many vitamins for normal growth and development?

13 The human body needs 13 vitamins on a regular basis to function and grow normally. These include vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the eight B vitamins. People who eat a balanced, healthy diet that includes a variety of foods usually get the vitamins they need. Lack of the right amount of a certain vitamin will lead to a deficiency. For example, a vitamin C deficiency will cause a condition called scurvy.

For what purpose would a patient most likely purchase a melatonin supplement?

As a sleep aid Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally in the pineal gland. Studies have linked melatonin with the body's sleep cycle because levels of melatonin are naturally higher in the evening. Many patients take synthetic melatonin supplements as a sleep aid. Another common use is the prevention of jet lag. Examples of brand name, over-the-counter (OTC) melatonin supplements include Accurate Release, Circadin, and Nature's Bounty.

What is the proper name for vitamin D?

Calciferol Vitamin D also goes by the name calciferol. Many supplements also subclassify vitamin D into two additional forms. These are vitamin D2, which is also called ergocalciferol or pre-vitamin D, and vitamin D3, which is called cholecalciferol.

What is the chemical symbol for iron?

Fe The chemical symbol for iron is Fe. It is one of the many minerals that is essential for the health of the body. Iron is critical to the formation of red blood cells. People intake iron through their diets in one of two forms: heme, which comes from animal-derived foods, and nonheme, which comes from plant-based foods such as beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.

Which of the following is an example of a nonessential amino acid?

Glutamic Acid The human body needs a combination of essential and nonessential amino acids to function normally. While a person relies on diet for intake of essential amino acids, the body produces nonessential amino acids itself. This occurs as part of the digestion of protein. The 4 nonessential amino acids are alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.

the following minerals is an essential component of thyroid hormones?

Iodine Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones which help regulate the body's metabolism. People typically ingest all of the iodine they need from foods such as dairy products and eggs. Some fruits and vegetables also contain iodine, yet the amounts vary depending on how much iodine was present in the soil in which they were grown. Many countries around the world, including the United States, also have voluntary iodized salt programs where salt manufacturers add potassium iodide to the table salt. This has helped prevent iodine deficiency, which may manifest as hypothyroidism or goiter in extreme cases.

A hospital pharmacy receives a stat drug order for deferoxamine for a pediatric patient who ingested adult multivitamins. This drug is an antidote for which of the following?

Iron Iron overdose poses the greatest risk to children who ingest adult strength multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, or other standalone iron supplements such as Slow Fe (ferrous sulfate), Fergon (ferrous gluconate), and Feostat (ferrous fumarate). An excess of iron leads to gastrointestinal distress and bloody diarrhea and may progress to shock, coma, and death. Deferoxamine is often used as an antidote for iron poisoning because it inactivates, or chelates, the iron within the body.

A prescription for vitamin B12 would be necessary to treat which of the following conditions?

Pernicious anemia Most people who eat meat and other animal products consume enough vitamin B12 as part of their normal diets. Individuals who are pregnant or follow vegan diets may require an over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12 supplement to receive an adequate intake of this important vitamin. Other individuals may have difficulty absorbing this vitamin. In such cases, an OTC supplement would be insufficient, and they would require a prescription for vitamin B12. This vitamin is often started as a series of injections and then tapered to a nasal spray that patients may give themselves.

A patient who is taking furosemide (Lasix) may be at risk of developing hypokalemia, which is a deficiency of what substance?

Potassium Hypokalemia is a condition caused by a deficiency of the mineral potassium in the body. Diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) cause the body to rid itself of excess water and salt via increased urination. The kidneys regulate the body's balance of potassium, excreting what is not needed. The increased urination effects of diuretics may deplete the body's needed reserves of potassium and lead to this condition. Conversely, hyperkalemia is the condition of excess potassium in the body.

A patient arrives at the pharmacy seeking a vitamin D supplement because she is concerned that she is not getting enough of this vitamin. What advice should this patient receive?

Research has shown that many people throughout the world do not get enough vitamin D as part of their regular diets. People who may be in a higher risk group include those who live in a northern climate, have darker skin, or spend most of their time indoors. Although the Institute of Medicine recommends a daily vitamin D intake of 600 IU, studies have shown this may not be high enough. However, because some vitamins may be harmful at high doses, a vitamin D blood test is the best way to determine if this patient really requires more vitamin D.

What is the brand name of the topical drug tretinoin and why is it prescribed?

Retin-A, which is prescribed for acne The drug tretinoin is used to treat acne and is available under various brand names, including Retin-A, Avita, Refissa, and Renova. It is considered a retinoid because it is derived from vitamin A. Patients apply it topically to areas affected by acne; it facilitates skin peeling, thus unclogging pores. The pharmacist will advise patients who are taking this medication that it may cause redness, tingling, or crusting of the skin.

What is the proper name of vitamin B2?

Riboflavin close Vitamin B2 is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. It is probably better known by its proper name riboflavin. The body uses this vitamin to maintain healthy nerve functioning and connective tissue. A person with a riboflavin deficiency may have cracked or fissured lips (cheilosis). Milk, eggs, liver, and enriched grain products are all good sources of riboflavin.

A patient has been undergoing chemotherapy to treat her breast cancer. She stops by the pharmacy, seeking a recommendation for a supplement that will help boost her immune system and help her regain her strength as she undergoes this treatment. The pharmacist should offer which of the following advice?

She should not take antioxidants while on chemotherapy. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy should avoid taking antioxidants such as vitamins C and E unless they are specifically advised to do so by their oncologist. Antioxidants, which work by protecting the body from free radicals, may interfere with the intended effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In this case, it would be best for the patient to speak with her physicians about their suggestions for complementary therapies that would not interfere with her cancer treatment.

What is the main source of trace minerals such as selenium and iodine?

Soil Soil is the source of many trace minerals that the human body requires in small amounts to maintain healthy functioning. If people eat plants that are grown in soils rich in a certain trace mineral, they will have a higher intake of that mineral than people who live in other areas. For example, the states of Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota have selenium-rich soil, while the soils in certain agricultural areas in Russia and China lack selenium.

A female patient arrives at the pharmacy to pick up her prescription for birth control pills. Which of the following supplements should this patient not take in combination with oral contraceptives?

St. John's wort ome people take the herbal supplement St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) to treat depression. However, research has shown that it may interact with drugs, such as oral contraceptives, and reduce their effectiveness. In this case, the patient may become unintentionally pregnant. Studies have also shown that pregnant women who take St. John's wort may increase the risk of having a baby with a birth defect by 3 to 5 percent.

Herbal products that are sold in the United States are regulated by which of the following laws?

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) is the law that currently regulates herbal products and dietary supplements. This law defines a dietary supplement as a product that is intended to enhance or supplement the diet. While this law permits the FDA to take an unsafe dietary supplement off the market if it is proven to be unsafe for human use, it does not require the same stringent safety and efficacy testing that pharmaceuticals must undergo.

A female patient in her mid-fifties is confused about the new recommendations for daily calcium intake to help prevent osteoporosis.What should the pharmacist tell this patient?

The daily recommendations include both calcium and vitamin D. Research shows that a combination of both calcium and vitamin D may help prevent the development of osteoporosis, which is a brittle bone disease that primarily affects women after menopause. While some people may be able to obtain adequate levels through diet alone, other people, including those with a family history of osteoporosis, may need supplementation. Patients should speak with their physician(s) for more information.

Which of the following statements about amino acids is false?

The human body produces essential amino acids. The human body needs amino acids to grow and function normally. When different amino acids are combined, they make protein. When the body digests protein, it converts the protein back into amino acids. The body is unable to produce essential amino acids, such as cysteine, lysine, and tryptophan, on its own. Instead, people must consume these 9 essential compounds from foods like cheese, nuts, vegetables, and some kinds of meat.

A patient arrives at the pharmacy with a prescription for Coumadin. It is important to provide this patient with which of the following information related to this drug?

The patient should limit his intake of foods rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential in the blood clotting process. The drug Coumadin (warfarin) is a blood thinner and acts by working against the action of vitamin K in the body. Current recommendations for patients taking Coumadin are to keep their intake of vitamin K consistent from day to day. This means limiting their daily servings of food that contain more than 60% of the daily value for vitamin K. Examples of such food include kale, turnip greens, and Swiss chard.

Which of the following statements about dietary supplements is correct?

They do not require proof of their effectiveness. A dietary supplement is a product that supplements, or complements, a person's diet. It must contain one or more of the following ingredients: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, or amino acids and their constituents. While drug manufacturers must undergo rigorous testing of new products to determine both their safety and effectiveness prior to releasing them to the market, these same FDA regulations do not apply to dietary supplements. A manufacturer who sells a new dietary ingredient in the United States after October 15, 1994 must prove it is safe for human use. However, the manufacturer does not need to prove the product's effectiveness.

Which of the following information about vitamin supplements is important for patients to know?

They may interact with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. People who consume a healthy, varied diet generally obtain most of the vitamins and minerals they need without the need for an additional vitamin supplement. Many patients wrongly assume that vitamins are harmless because they are sold without a prescription and are marketed as "natural." Pharmacy personnel should maintain accurate records of all of the medications their patients are taking, including OTC drugs and dietary supplements, as a way to prevent adverse consequences from interactions.

A patient arrives at the pharmacy with a prescription for niacin. Why would this patient most likely have a prescription for this vitamin?

To reduce high blood cholesterol Some patients may take niacin as a tablet either several times a day or once daily in an extended-release form. It helps lower serum lipid, or cholesterol, levels in patients who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. You may see it sold under the brand names Niacor, Niaspan, or Slo-Niacin to name only a few. It is also sold in combination with cholesterol-lowering statin drugs such as Simcor, which contains both niacin and simvastatin, or Advicor, which contains both niacin and lovastatin.

Retinol is the primary component of which vitamin?

Vitamin A Vitamin A is primarily composed of retinol and is found in spinach, carrots, squash, pumpkins, and other orange, yellow, and leafy green vegetables as well as in fish liver oil and beef liver. This fat soluble vitamin is used by the body for vision and the production of epithelial tissue. As a fat soluble vitamin, it is stored mainly in the liver. Large doses can lead to toxicity.

The human body uses beta carotene to form which of the following vitamins?

Vitamin A Vitamin supplements may offer vitamin A in two different forms. One form of vitamin A is beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A as needed. This makes it an inactive form of vitamin A, or a precursor compound. Many colorful fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and mangos contain beta carotene. Some multivitamins contain both retinol and beta carotene.

Which of the following vitamins should a pregnant woman take during pregnancy to reduce the risk of her baby developing a birth defect?

Vitamin B Folic acid is a B vitamin. Studies by the CDC and other organizations have shown that a deficiency in vitamin B intake while pregnant may cause birth defects such as spina bifida and meningomyelocele in the developing fetus. To prevent birth defects, it is recommended that pregnant women take 400 mcg of folic acid each day. Folic acid may also be found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas, and nuts as well as enriched foods.

A hospital pharmacy receives a prescription for an injection for a patient with beriberi. The patient is a chronic alcoholic. Based on this information, this patient most likely needs which of the following vitamins?

Vitamin B1 A severe vitamin B1 deficiency leads to a condition called beriberi. Although this disorder is rare among most of the population in the United States who obtain this vitamin from their diets, it can occur in alcoholics. Babies who are breast fed may also develop this condition. Treatment includes vitamin B1 supplements via injection or as a tablet. Lack of treatment may cause acute heart failure.

A patient arrives at the pharmacy and tells the pharmacy technician that his doctor recommends that he starts taking a vitamin supplement, but he cannot remember which one. The patient says he has been a vegan for the last 2 months. Which of the following vitamins is the one most likely recommended by the patient's doctor

Vitamin B12 Humans require vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells and DNA. It also helps with the normal functions of the nervous system. Unlike many other vitamins, vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Because this patient is a vegan and is not consuming such foods as part of his diet, he may require an over-the-counter vitamin B12 supplement.

Which of the B vitamins is also known as niacin?

Vitamin B3 he proper name for vitamin B3 is niacin. It is one of the eight B vitamins, which also include B1, B2, B5 , B6, B7, B12, and folic acid. As a group, the B vitamins help the body make red blood cells and assist with making energy from food.

Ascorbic acid is the proper name for which of the following vitamins?

Vitamin C Ascorbic acid is the proper name for vitamin C. The body uses this vitamin to make collagen, strengthen the immune system, and absorb iron from foods. The body cannot store vitamin C. People mainly obtain it from eating citrus fruits, tomatoes, red and green peppers, broccoli, or foods fortified with vitamin C. It is also sold as a supplement. Many people believe taking vitamin C will prevent them from getting colds; research has not proven this to be the case, however.

An elderly patient arrives at the pharmacy with a prescription for Coumadin. Which of the over-the-counter (OTC) products would be safe for this patient to take while on Coumadin?

Vitamin C Of these four choices, only vitamin C would be safe for the patient to take in conjunction with Coumadin. Research has shown that aspirin, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E also work to thin the blood. If taken with the blood thinner Coumadin, they may cause a serious risk of internal bleeding or stroke.

An alcoholic patient would be most likely to have a deficiency of which of the following?

Vitamin C Vitamin C is not stored in body fat. Because alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body, causing the loss of fluids through urination, it also causes the loss of vitamin C. People who consume excessive amounts of alcohol may be at risk for vitamin C deficiency.

Which of the following vitamins is water soluble?

Vitamin C Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it is carried in the bloodstream and excreted through the urine. Vitamin C helps protect the body's cells from free radicals, or unstable, oxygen-containing molecules that damage normal cellular function and can lead to things like cancer or cardiovascular disease. Its various therapeutic uses include maintaining the health of skin, bones, and teeth, iron absorption, and boosting the immune system.

Which of the following vitamins is produced by the human body in response to exposure to sunlight?

Vitamin D The human body produces small amounts of both vitamin D and vitamin K. Exposure to sunlight on the skin causes the body to make vitamin D from cholesterol. For this reason, vitamin D is sometimes called "the sunshine vitamin." However, people intake the majority of vitamin D through fish, egg yolk, and fortified foods such as milk. Technically, bacteria that live in the human digestive system, not the body itself, produce a small amount of vitamin K. Most vitamin K comes from food, such as dark, leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard.

Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?

Vitamin D Vitamin D is classified as fat soluble, which means it can be stored in the body. If a patient takes an excess of a fat-soluble vitamin, it can build up in his or her body and cause a toxicity.

A patient who is taking simvastatin (Zocor) would be advised against taking which of the following vitamin supplements?

Vitamin E Patients who have been diagnosed with a high level of cholesterol may take a statin drug like simvastatin. It works by lowering the level of low density (LDL) cholesterol and increasing the levels of high density (HDL) in the blood circulation. However, studies have shown taking vitamin E while on simvastatin may actually lower HDL levels and is therefore contraindicated.

Which of the following vitamins is considered an antioxidant?

Vitamins E and C Free radicals exist both inside and outside the human body. Essentially, free radicals are unstable atoms that cause other atoms within the body to become unstable. This process can lead to negative consequences, such as genetic mutations and cancer, but can also be helpful in fighting off infection. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E work by protecting the body from the damage caused by free radicals.

Which of the following is considered a trace mineral?

Zinc Zinc is an example of a trace mineral. A trace mineral is a substance that the human body requires in trace, or small, amounts for normal functioning. For example, an adult male needs about 11 mg of zinc each day. Most people consume sufficient zinc in their diet by eating foods such as chicken, beef, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals. Zinc deficiency is rare in the United States.

Vitamin D is responsible for:

facilitating the absorption of calcium from the intestine. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium from the intestine. It is also necessary for the formation of bone, as well as the bone's ability to store calcium. Vitamin D is stored in the skin but requires the help of sunlight to become activated. People with little exposure to sunlight may present with soft bones, a condition called osteomalacia or rickets.

The proper name for Vitamin B1 is:

thiamine. Thiamine is the proper name for Vitamin B1. This water soluble vitamin is used in the metabolism of carbohydrates and can be found in foods like egg yolk, beef liver, beans, and fortified cereals and breads. The daily dietary reference intake (DRI) is 1.2 mg/day for men and 1.1 mg/day for women.