Disease State Management - NAPLEX
- Which lipid-lowering therapy intensity is indicated for secondary ASCVD prevention in most adults?
- High-intensity statin. Maximally reduces LDL cholesterol to prevent recurrent events in ASCVD patients.
- What is the immediate management for suspected anaphylaxis with hypotension?
- IM epinephrine in the mid-outer thigh. Reverses vasodilation and bronchoconstriction rapidly in anaphylactic shock.
- Which medication is first-line for type diabetes if no contraindication and tolerated?
- Metformin. Improves glycemic control with low hypoglycemia risk and potential cardiovascular benefits.
- Which initial antihypertensive is preferred for most patients with diabetes and albuminuria?
- ACE inhibitor (or ARB if ACEI not tolerated). Recommended by guidelines to reduce proteinuria and slow kidney disease progression in diabetic patients.
- What blood pressure goal is commonly recommended for most adults with hypertension?
- Less than mmHg (if tolerated). ACC/AHA guidelines recommend this target to reduce cardiovascular risk in hypertensive adults.
- Which medication is first-line for GERD maintenance when symptoms are frequent or erosive?
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Suppresses acid production for healing erosions and symptom control in GERD.
- Which antibiotic is preferred for outpatient community-acquired pneumonia with no comorbidities?
- Amoxicillin or doxycycline (macrolide if low resistance). Covers typical pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae in low-risk outpatients.
- Which add-on agent improves outcomes in HFrEF and is recommended unless contraindicated?
- SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin or empagliflozin). Shown in trials to reduce hospitalization and mortality in HFrEF patients regardless of diabetes status.
- Which therapy is first-line for opioid use disorder to reduce mortality in most patients?
- Buprenorphine-naloxone or methadone (MOUD). Agonist therapies reduce overdose risk and cravings in opioid use disorder.
- What is the first-line maintenance therapy for stable COPD with persistent symptoms?
- Long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA or LABA). Improves lung function and reduces symptoms in symptomatic COPD per GOLD guidelines.
- Which condition requires immediate IV dextrose rather than glucagon for hypoglycemia treatment?
- Hypoglycemia with IV access available (use IV dextrose). Allows direct and rapid glucose administration when IV line is established.
- Identify the preferred empiric outpatient therapy for uncomplicated cystitis in a woman.
- Nitrofurantoin, TMP-SMX, or fosfomycin. These agents target common uropathogens with high efficacy in uncomplicated UTI.
- Which medication class is first-line for acute symptomatic hypoglycemia in a conscious patient?
- Oral glucose (fast-acting carbohydrate). Provides rapid absorption to quickly raise blood glucose levels in conscious individuals.
- What is the preferred beta-blocker class for chronic stable HFrEF mortality benefit?
- Carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, or bisoprolol. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrates mortality reduction in HFrEF with these specific agents.
- Which diabetes drug class has proven ASCVD benefit and promotes weight loss?
- GLP-1 receptor agonist (for example, semaglutide). Clinical trials show reduced cardiovascular events and weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients.
- What is the first-line acute treatment for status epilepticus in the first minutes?
- Benzodiazepine (IV lorazepam or IM midazolam). Rapidly terminates seizures by enhancing GABA activity in the brain.
- What is the target serum urate goal for most patients on urate-lowering therapy?
- Less than mg/dL. Achieving this level reduces urate crystal formation and gout flare risk.
- What is the preferred rescue treatment for severe hypoglycemia with unconsciousness and no IV access?
- Glucagon (IM or intranasal). Stimulates hepatic glucose release when oral intake or IV access is not feasible.
- Which anticoagulant is preferred for most patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation?
- DOAC (for example, apixaban) over warfarin. Offers similar efficacy with lower bleeding risk and no routine monitoring compared to warfarin.
- Which insulin regimen best mimics physiologic insulin for type diabetes management?
- Basal-bolus insulin (long-acting + rapid-acting meals). Provides continuous basal coverage and prandial boluses to match endogenous insulin patterns.
- Which antibiotic class should be avoided with tizanidine due to severe hypotension risk?
- Ciprofloxacin (strong CYPA inhibitor). Inhibits tizanidine metabolism, leading to increased levels and hypotensive effects.
- Which inhaler is preferred as a reliever in many current asthma strategies for adults?
- Low-dose ICS-formoterol (as-needed). Combines anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects for symptom relief and reduced exacerbations.
- What is the first-line controller therapy for persistent asthma in adults?
- Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Reduces airway inflammation and prevents exacerbations in persistent asthma per GINA guidelines.