OPRA Exam Q & A, are you planning to become a pharmacist in Australia?

1. OPRA Exam Questions and Answers Are you planning to become a pharmacist in Australia? Then the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is one exam you can’t overlook. It’s designed to assess your understanding of pharmacy practice, clinical knowledge, and your ability to apply it all in real-life scenarios. In this blog, there are a few OPRA questions and answers to help you get a feel for what to expect. 1. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of diazepam to cause a sedative effect? (A) The drug blocks glutamate receptors to decrease neuronal excitability. (B) The drug blocks the uptake of GABA into the nerve to increase its action at the receptor. (C) It increases the ability of GABA to produce chloride conductance in neurons. (D) It prevents the metabolism of catecholamines by blocking monoamine oxidases. Ans: C Benzodiazepines like diazepam enhance the actions of GABA on the GABAA receptor to enhance chloride influx into neurons. Topiramate and valproate are able to decrease epileptic activity by blocking glutamate receptors, whereas tiagabine prevents GABA uptake into the nerve terminal. Diazepam is not an MAOI and does not block the metabolism of inositol phosphates like lithium. 2. How many millilitres of a 0.9% aqueous solution can be made from 20.0 g of sodium chloride? (A) 2222 mL (B) 100 mL (C) 222 mL (D) 122 mL Ans: A Using dimensional analysis: 20 g x 100 mL/0.9g = 2222 mL 3. Which of the following drug classes is primarily used to treat hypertension by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system? A) Beta-blockers B) Calcium channel blockers C) Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors D) Diuretics Ans: C Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used to treat hypertension by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This inhibition leads to vasodilation and reduces aldosterone secretion, thereby lowering blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are effective Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Sidcul, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564

2. in managing hypertension because they target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a key regulator of blood pressure and fluid balance. 4. Which capsule size has the smallest capacity? (A) 5 (B) 4 (C) 1 (D) 000 Ans: A Hard capsules are numbered from 000 (largest) to 5 (smallest). Their approximate capacity ranges from 600 to 30 mg; however, the capacity of the capsule depends on the density of the contents. 5. Which of the following therapeutic advantages cannot be obtained by the use of prodrugs? (A) oral absorption (B) water solubility (C) duration of action (D) potency Ans: D By definition, prodrugs are inactive or very weakly active molecules that require in vivo activation of the parent molecule. Thus, the conversion of a drug molecule to a prodrug does not increase potency because the original molecule, with whatever potency it contains, is produced after administration. Preparing for the OPRA exam can feel overwhelming at times, but breaking it down into topics and practising questions like these really helps. The key is to understand the concepts, not just memorise them. Whether you’re revising pharmacology or brushing up on therapeutic strategies, consistent practice goes a long way. Hope these OPRA questions and answers gave you some clarity and motivation, as you move closer to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia! Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Sidcul, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564