A patient receives an inhaled corticosteroid to treat asthma. The patient asks the primary care NP why the drug is given by this route instead of orally. The NP should explain that the inhaled form:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because inhaled corticosteroids target the lungs directly, minimizing systemic side effects compared to oral forms. Choice A is incorrect as inhalation isn’t about slower absorption. Choice B is wrong since bioavailability is sufficient at the site. Choice D is inaccurate as dosing regulation isn’t necessarily easier.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is correct because the first trimester is critical for organogenesis, and teratogens (e.g., thalidomide) can cause structural defects then, a primary risk. Choice B is incorrect as tobacco's low birth weight effect is more second/third trimester. Choice C is wrong because hypertension impacts later placental function, not first-trimester organ formation. Choice D is incorrect since A is the specific first-trimester risk.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is correct because acetaminophen is safe in the elderly for pain/fever, with minimal renal/hepatic adjustment needed, per geriatric guidelines. Choice B is incorrect as amitriptyline's anticholinergic effects risk confusion and falls. Choice C is wrong because codeine's metabolism and sedation risks increase in the elderly. Choice D is incorrect since only acetaminophen is safe.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because ginkgo biloba decreases blood viscosity, enhancing warfarin’s bleeding risk. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they don’t significantly affect bleeding with warfarin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is correct because sublingual administration allows rapid absorption via the rich blood supply under the tongue, bypassing first-pass metabolism for quick onset. Choice B is incorrect as excretion rate isn't directly affected by this route. Choice C is wrong because minimal metabolism is a benefit, not the defining advantage. Choice D is incorrect since distribution isn't equal—it's systemic, not a primary advantage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is correct because counterfeit drugs may lack active ingredients (ineffective), contain toxins (harmful), or have wrong doses (unsafe), posing serious risks, per WHO data. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one risk. Choice B is wrong by itself because contaminants are just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since dosage is only one issue.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because ginkgo biloba decreases blood viscosity, enhancing warfarin’s bleeding risk. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they don’t significantly affect bleeding with warfarin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is correct because START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) identifies underused beneficial drugs (e.g., statins) in the elderly, per guidelines. Choice A is incorrect as that's STOPP's role. Choice C is wrong because it's not about levels. Choice D is incorrect since only B fits.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is correct because counterfeit drugs may lack active ingredients (ineffective), contain toxins (harmful), or have wrong doses (unsafe), posing serious risks, per WHO data. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one risk. Choice B is wrong by itself because contaminants are just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since dosage is only one issue.