A 65-year-old is interested in taking ginkgo. Which statement is correct?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct answer: "There is a drug-herb interaction between ginkgo and aspirin." Ginkgo has been known to increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin, which can be a significant concern, especially for older adults like the 65-year-old in the question. This interaction can potentiate the effects of aspirin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding complications. Option A is incorrect because ginkgo is not contraindicated in diabetes and pregnancy. In fact, ginkgo has been suggested to have potential benefits for diabetic patients due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, pregnant individuals should use caution and consult with their healthcare provider before taking ginkgo. Option C is incorrect because toxic effects of ginkgo typically do not include hypertension and cardiac arrest. While ginkgo may have side effects like headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset, severe cardiovascular effects like hypertension and cardiac arrest are not commonly associated with ginkgo use. Option D is incorrect because the drug-herb interaction mentioned in the question stem is with aspirin, not phenelzine. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and interactions between ginkgo and MAOIs are not well-documented in the literature. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of potential drug-herb interactions when patients are taking herbal supplements like ginkgo, especially in older adults with multiple comorbidities and medications. Patient education on the importance of discussing all supplements with their healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse interactions and ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Systemic corticosteroid therapy is reserved for severe cases of posterior uveitis because this condition involves inflammation in the posterior segment of the eye where the retina and optic nerve are located. Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, which is crucial in managing posterior uveitis to prevent vision loss and complications. Option A, exfoliative dermatitis, is not typically treated with systemic corticosteroids as it is often managed with topical medications and supportive care. Option C, acute rheumatic fever, is usually treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs, not necessarily systemic corticosteroids. Option D, Hodgkin's disease, is a type of cancer and is managed with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, corticosteroids may be used as part of the treatment regimen but not as the first-line therapy. Understanding the appropriate use of systemic corticosteroids is important for healthcare professionals, especially when managing conditions that require immunosuppression or anti-inflammatory effects. Recognizing the specific indications for corticosteroid therapy can help prevent unnecessary use and potential side effects associated with these medications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is option C) Butorphanol. Butorphanol is a mixed agonist-antagonist opioid analgesic that is similar to codeine in its analgesic effects but is less constipating. A) Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic that is not similar to codeine in terms of constipation side effect profile. Methadone is commonly used for opioid addiction treatment. B) Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used in the treatment of opioid addiction. It is not similar to codeine in its constipating effects. D) Dextropropoxyphene is an opioid analgesic that has been withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns, including cardiac toxicity. It is not known for its constipation effects similar to codeine. Educational Context: Understanding the differences in opioid analgesics is crucial for healthcare professionals as they make decisions about pain management for their patients. Knowing the unique side effect profiles of different opioids helps in selecting the most appropriate medication based on the patient's needs and potential adverse effects. This knowledge is essential for nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective pain management practices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Prostaglandin F2α. In early pregnancy, the uterus is sensitive to prostaglandin F2α due to its oxytocic properties, which can induce contractions and potentially lead to abortion. Prostaglandin F2α is commonly used in obstetrics to induce labor or manage postpartum hemorrhage. Option A) Oxytocin is incorrect because while it is a hormone that plays a role in uterine contractions during labor and postpartum period, it is not as effective as prostaglandin F2α in inducing contractions in early pregnancy. Option B) Methylergometrine is a uterotonic agent used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage, but it is not typically used to induce contractions in early pregnancy due to its potential vasoconstrictive effects. Option D) Both (a) and (b) is incorrect because neither oxytocin nor methylergometrine are typically used as oxytocics in early pregnancy. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of the appropriate use of different uterotonic agents based on the clinical indication to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. Understanding the sensitivity of the early pregnancy uterus to prostaglandin F2α is essential for healthcare professionals working in obstetrics and gynecology. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions regarding the use of medications to manage various obstetrical conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the pregnant individual and the fetus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) All of the above. When a person is sedated by morphine, they may initially experience excitement before transitioning into a sedated state. This initial excitement is followed by sedation, which can be characterized by little to no motor incoordination. Additionally, morphine can increase the seizure threshold, making it less likely for seizures to occur. Option A) Initial excitement is incorrect because while some individuals may experience initial excitement, this is not the defining characteristic of sedation caused by morphine. Option B) Little or no motor incoordination is correct, as morphine-induced sedation typically does not result in significant motor incoordination. Option C) Rise in seizure threshold is correct because morphine can have anticonvulsant effects by raising the seizure threshold, making seizures less likely to occur. Educationally, understanding the effects of morphine on the central nervous system is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses and pharmacists who administer or monitor patients on these medications. Recognizing the signs of morphine sedation and its potential impact on motor coordination and seizure threshold is essential for providing safe and effective patient care.