One advantage of gemfibrozil (Lopid) is that, in addition to lowering blood levels of most lipids, it raises the level of HDL cholesterol. This consideration is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) TRUE. Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a fibrate medication used to lower blood levels of triglycerides and other non-HDL lipids. One of the key advantages of gemfibrozil is that it not only lowers levels of most lipids but also raises the level of HDL cholesterol, which is known as the "good" cholesterol. This is important because increasing HDL cholesterol levels can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Option B) FALSE is incorrect because, as mentioned earlier, gemfibrozil does indeed raise the level of HDL cholesterol in addition to lowering other lipid levels. Options C) All and D) None are also incorrect. Option C does not apply because not all statements are correct, and Option D is incorrect because there is a correct answer in this case. In an educational context, understanding the effects of cardiovascular drugs like gemfibrozil is crucial for nursing pharmacology students. Knowing that gemfibrozil can positively impact HDL cholesterol levels can help nurses educate patients about the benefits of this medication for managing lipid levels and reducing cardiovascular risk. This knowledge is essential for providing safe and effective patient care in clinical settings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The recommended fluoride daily allowance is 1.5-4 mg, which is option A. Fluoride is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and bones. In the context of cardiovascular drugs and nursing pharmacology, fluoride is not directly related to cardiovascular health but is crucial for overall health, especially in preventing dental caries. Option B (600-900 µg) is incorrect as it falls outside the typical range for fluoride intake and is too low to meet the body's requirements. Option C (25 µg) is also incorrect as it is significantly lower than the recommended daily allowance of fluoride. Option D (350-400 mg) is excessively high and could lead to fluoride toxicity, causing adverse effects such as dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. Educationally, understanding the correct daily fluoride intake is vital for healthcare professionals, especially nurses administering medications or providing patient education. By knowing the appropriate fluoride levels, nurses can promote optimal health outcomes for their patients and prevent potential issues associated with either deficiency or excess fluoride intake.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Substances produced by some microorganisms and their synthetic analogues that selectively kill or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. This definition accurately describes antibiotics, which are medications used to treat bacterial infections by either killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Option A is incorrect because antibiotics are typically organic compounds produced by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, or their synthetic derivatives, rather than non-organic or synthetic substances. Option C is incorrect because antibiotics target microorganisms like bacteria, not organism cells in general. Option D is incorrect because antibiotics specifically target bacteria, not protozoa or helminths, which are typically treated with different types of medications. Understanding the definition of antibiotics is crucial in pharmacology, especially in the context of treating bacterial infections effectively and avoiding the development of antibiotic resistance. Nurses need to have a solid grasp of pharmacology to administer medications safely and educate patients on their proper use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is A) Nystatin. Nystatin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as polyenes, characterized by their polyene structure. Polyene antibiotics like Nystatin work by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, leading to cell membrane disruption and fungal cell death. Nystatin is primarily used topically to treat fungal infections like oral thrush and candidiasis. Option B) Ketoconazole is not a polyene antibiotic. It is an azole antifungal agent that works by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis in fungal cells. Option C) Griseofulvin is also not a polyene antibiotic. It is an antifungal medication that works by disrupting the formation of the fungal cell wall. Understanding the differences between these classes of drugs is crucial in pharmacology as it guides healthcare professionals in selecting the most appropriate treatment for specific infections. It is essential for nurses to have a strong foundation in pharmacology to ensure safe and effective medication administration and patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of antimalarial drugs with gametocidal effects, the correct answer is B) Primaquine. Primaquine is known for its ability to target the sexual forms (gametocytes) of the malaria parasite, thus preventing their transmission to mosquitoes and subsequent spread to other individuals. This action is crucial in malaria control programs to interrupt the life cycle of the parasite. Option A) Mefloquine is not gametocidal but rather acts on the asexual erythrocytic forms of the parasite. It is used for treating and preventing malaria but does not specifically target the gametocytes. Option C) Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is primarily used for treating bacterial infections, including some forms of malaria, but it does not have gametocidal activity. Option D) Sulfonamides are not typically used as primary antimalarial agents. While they may have some activity against the malaria parasite, they are not specifically known for their gametocidal effects. Understanding the gametocidal properties of antimalarial drugs is essential for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, involved in the care and treatment of patients with malaria. By selecting the correct gametocidal drug, like primaquine, nurses can contribute significantly to the prevention of malaria transmission and the overall success of malaria control programs.