Pharmacology and Pathophysiology in Health
Take-home exam NSC2500 – Pharmacology and Pathophysiology in Health
Examination Period – Semester 1, 2020
NSC2500 Take-home exam:
30 marks in total @7.5 marks
Final document to be submitted:
- within the 36-hour assessment window
- via submission portal on Study Desk
- As a .pdf (not a scanned image)
QUESTION 1:
Explain the difference/s between the core principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and fully detail two (2) aspects of pharmacodynamics.
QUESTION 2:
Using osteoarthritis as the example, detail the pathophysiology of this condition and two (2) different types of medications typically used in its treatment. Ensure you explain the relevant mechanisms of action of the medication/s and any other considerations you feel are relevant.
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QUESTION 3:
Graves’ disease is caused by the production of autoantibodies to the TSH receptor. These antibodies interact with the TSH receptor to stimulate the thyroid gland in a similar manner to TSH. The antibodies are not subject to negative feedback.
Which of the sets of clinical laboratory values below would indicate Graves’ disease? Explain/defend your answer.
| Serum thyroxine | Serum TSH | |
| ug/100mL | uIU*/mL | |
| Patient A | 6 | 1.5 |
| Patient B | 16 | 0.75 |
| Patient C | 2.5 | 20 |
| Patient D | 12 | 10 |
| Normal | 4-11 | 1.5-6 |
*IU = International Units – a standard way of quantifying TSH amounts
QUESTION 4:
Cancer is a disease that arises from genetic mutations. Define the following terms and explain in detail how each may be involved in cancer development:
- proto-oncogene
- oncogene
- tumour suppressor
Then, choose one of the main classes of chemotherapy medication, describe its mechanism of action and explain why this treatment may have adverse effects on the body.
