An opioid analgesic is preferred over aspirin-like analgesic in the following condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology of CNS drugs, the correct answer is D) Neuralgia. Opioid analgesics are preferred over aspirin-like analgesics in conditions of severe pain, such as neuralgia, due to their stronger analgesic properties and ability to modulate pain perception at the central nervous system level. Neuralgia is characterized by intense, shooting pain along a nerve pathway, which often requires potent analgesics for effective pain relief. Options A, B, and C are not the preferred choice for opioid analgesics because they involve conditions where aspirin-like analgesics, such as NSAIDs, are more commonly used. Acute gout (Option A) is typically treated with NSAIDs or colchicine, toothache (Option B) can be managed with NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or local anesthetics, and burns (Option C) are usually treated with topical analgesics and wound care. Understanding the appropriate selection of analgesics based on the underlying condition is crucial in pharmacology to ensure optimal pain management and patient outcomes. Educating healthcare professionals on these distinctions helps them make informed decisions regarding drug therapy, considering factors such as efficacy, safety, and patient-specific needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the management of acute gout, strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more commonly used than colchicine due to several reasons. The correct answer, option D, "They are better tolerated," is the most appropriate choice for several reasons. NSAIDs are preferred in acute gout because they provide effective pain relief and help reduce inflammation, which are crucial in managing gout attacks. Additionally, NSAIDs are generally well-tolerated by most patients when compared to colchicine. Option A, "They are more effective," is not the primary reason for choosing NSAIDs over colchicine in acute gout. While NSAIDs are effective, both NSAIDs and colchicine have demonstrated efficacy in treating gout attacks. However, the tolerability profile of NSAIDs makes them a preferred choice in many cases. Option B, "They act more rapidly," is not the main reason for choosing NSAIDs over colchicine. While NSAIDs may have a faster onset of action compared to colchicine, the primary consideration is often the overall tolerability and safety profile of the medication in the acute gout setting. Option C, "They have additional uricosuric action," is incorrect as NSAIDs do not possess significant uricosuric properties. Uricosuric agents are a separate class of medications that work by increasing the excretion of uric acid from the body and are used for chronic management of gout rather than acute gout attacks. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind choosing NSAIDs over colchicine in acute gout is essential for healthcare providers managing patients with gout. By recognizing the factors that make NSAIDs a preferred choice, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that prioritize patient comfort, safety, and treatment effectiveness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Early active disease not responding to NSAIDs. Gold compounds, such as auranofin and aurothiomalate, have been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In early active disease not responding to NSAIDs, gold compounds have shown efficacy in modifying the disease progression and reducing joint damage. Option B) Mild disease is incorrect because gold compounds are typically reserved for cases of more severe or active disease that are not responding to other treatments like NSAIDs. Option C) Advanced disease is also incorrect as gold compounds are not typically recommended for use in advanced stages of rheumatoid arthritis where other more potent treatments may be necessary. Option D) As first-line therapy is incorrect because gold compounds are usually considered after other conventional treatments have been tried and found ineffective. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate use of gold compounds in rheumatoid arthritis is crucial for healthcare providers involved in managing patients with this condition. It is important to know the indications and limitations of different pharmacological treatments to provide optimal care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology of CNS drugs, understanding the different types of substances secreted by neurons is crucial. In this question, the correct answer is A) Neurohormone. A neurohormone is a substance that is released into the bloodstream by a neuron and acts as a hormone, affecting distant target cells. Neurohormones differ from other options provided: - Neuromodulators (B) are substances that modify the response of neurons to neurotransmitters but are not typically secreted into the blood. - Neuromediators (C) are substances released by neurons to communicate with other neurons but do not enter the bloodstream. - Neurotransmitters (D) are chemicals released by neurons to transmit signals across a synapse to a target cell, but they do not enter the bloodstream. Understanding these distinctions is essential for pharmacology students as it impacts how drugs targeting these different types of substances may function in the body. By grasping these concepts, students can better comprehend the mechanisms of action of CNS drugs and make more informed decisions in their future clinical practice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Reserpine. Reserpine is a drug that decreases the functional activities of several CNS neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This action is due to its ability to deplete these neurotransmitters from storage vesicles, leading to reduced neurotransmission. At high doses, reserpine can cause parkinsonism-like extrapyramidal dysfunction due to the depletion of dopamine. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: A) Amphetamine: Amphetamine increases the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin into the synaptic cleft, leading to enhanced neurotransmission. This is the opposite effect of what is described in the question. B) Baclofen: Baclofen is a GABA receptor agonist primarily used as a muscle relaxant. It does not have the same mechanism of action as described in the question. C) Diazepam: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA in the CNS. It does not decrease the functional activities of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Educational context: Understanding the pharmacology of CNS drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when prescribing medications for various neurological conditions. Knowledge of how different drugs modulate neurotransmitter systems helps in predicting their effects and potential side effects, leading to better patient outcomes. It is essential for students and professionals in the healthcare field to grasp these concepts to provide safe and effective care to patients with CNS disorders.