NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Ace your North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) with our comprehensive practice test. Features include interactive flashcards, multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations. Fast-track your pharmacy career today!

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What is the primary and secondary prevention of variceal bleeding?

Lactulose
Spironolactone
Octreotide
Non-selective beta blockers

The correct answer is: Non-selective beta blockers

Non-selective beta blockers such as propranolol and nadolol are the primary and secondary prevention of variceal bleeding. These medications reduce portal pressure by decreasing the cardiac output and splanchnic blood flow, leading to a decrease in the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices. Option A, lactulose, is used for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, not variceal bleeding. Option B, spironolactone, is used for the treatment of ascites and edema in patients with cirrhosis but not specifically for variceal bleeding. Option C, octreotide, is used for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding rather than primary or secondary prevention.