A patient who recently begun hormone replacement therapy with estrogen asks you how the hormone will affect her non-reproductive tissues. Which response(s) are appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because estrogen affects various non-reproductive tissues in the body. Estrogen can reduce low-density lipoproteins (B), which are associated with cardiovascular risk. It also suppresses bone resorption (C), aiding in bone health. Additionally, estrogen can both promote and suppress coagulation (D), influencing blood clotting factors. Therefore, all the answers are correct as estrogen has a wide-ranging impact on non-reproductive tissues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: all the above. A: A drug must be dissolved in body fluids before it can be absorbed into body tissues - True, as drugs need to be in a soluble form to pass through cell membranes. B: A solid drug taken orally must disintegrate and dissolve in GI fluids to allow for absorption - True, as solid drugs need to be broken down for absorption. C: The process of converting the drug into a soluble form can be controlled by the dosage form - True, as different dosage forms affect drug dissolution. Summary: All statements are true as they explain crucial aspects of drug liberation necessary for absorption and efficacy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Displacement. When two drugs compete for the same receptor site, one drug can displace the other, leading to increased activity of the first drug. This phenomenon is known as drug displacement. A: Desired action does not describe the competition between drugs for the same receptor site. B: Synergistic effect refers to when two drugs work together to produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects. C: Carcinogenicity relates to the ability of a substance to cause cancer, and is not relevant to the scenario described in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cryptococcus neoformans: amphotericin B. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus causing severe meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. Amphotericin B is the first-line treatment for cryptococcal meningitis due to its efficacy against the pathogen. It works by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, disrupting membrane integrity. Griseofulvin (choice B) is used for dermatophyte infections like Trichophyton, not for Cryptococcus. Fluconazole (choice C) is used for Histoplasma and Aspergillus infections but not as effective against Cryptococcus as amphotericin B. Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly treated with voriconazole or amphotericin B, not fluconazole as in choice D.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Voriconazole. This drug is appropriate for the patient as it is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent commonly used to treat invasive fungal infections. It is effective against a wide range of fungal species, including Candida and Aspergillus. Voriconazole has good tissue penetration and high bioavailability, making it suitable for serious systemic fungal infections. Flucytosine (A) is mainly used in combination with other antifungal agents and is not a standalone therapy. Terbinafine (B) is primarily used for dermatophyte infections and not for systemic fungal infections. Griseofulvin (C) is used for superficial fungal infections like ringworm and is not effective against systemic fungal infections like those requiring Voriconazole.