Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What does the abbreviation INH stand for in a medical context?

1. Isoniazid

2. Intravenous hydration

3. International normalizing ratio

4. Inhaled nitric oxide

The correct answer is: Isoniazid

The abbreviation INH stands for Isoniazid, which is an antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It is particularly effective in targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. Isoniazid works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are vital components of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the death of the bacteria. In the context of TB treatment, Isoniazid is often part of a multi-drug regimen to ensure effective management of the infection and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of the bacteria. Understanding this abbreviation is crucial in a medical context, especially when discussing treatments for respiratory infections or in public health settings targeting TB control. The other options represent valid medical terms but do not match the abbreviation INH. Intravenous hydration refers to administering fluids directly into a vein, the international normalizing ratio is a measure used in coagulation testing for patients on anticoagulants, and inhaled nitric oxide is used primarily in respiratory care for conditions like pulmonary hypertension. These terms are related to different aspects of medical practice but are distinct from the specific use of Isoniazid in treating tuberculosis.