The following are examples of prodrugs:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Levodopa is a prodrug converted to dopamine in the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Prodrugs are inactive compounds metabolized into active drugs in the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Diffusion moves drugs passively from high to low concentration across membranes, like oral absorption, a pharmacokinetic staple. Active transport uses energy against gradients. Osmosis is water-specific. Metabolism alters drugs chemically. Diffusion fits, driving initial uptake.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of filgrastim, modified with polyethylene glycol (pegylated) to prolong its activity. It is administered once per chemotherapy cycle to stimulate white blood cell production and reduce the risk of neutropenia. Unlike filgrastim, which requires daily injections, pegfilgrastim's extended half-life allows for less frequent dosing. The nurse should educate the patient about the dosing schedule and monitor for side effects, such as bone pain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Oral decongestants cause systemic effects like hypertension, unlike nasal ones risking rebound. Efficacy (choices A, D) varies, rebound is nasal-specific. B highlights the key difference, making it correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Absence seizures, brief lapses in consciousness, require specific antiepileptics. Carbamazepine, effective for focal seizures, can worsen absence seizures by enhancing sodium channel activity. Topiramate and clobazam have broader uses but limited efficacy here. Phenytoin suits tonic-clonic, not absence. Ethosuximide reduces T-type calcium currents in thalamic neurons, directly targeting absence seizure mechanisms, making it most effective. Its specificity ensures rapid control, critical for pediatric epilepsy management.