The following is not true concerning management of diarrhea

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Diphenoxylate crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to a lesser extent than loperamide. This statement is false because diphenoxylate is metabolized to its active form, difenoxin, which does cross the BBB and can lead to central nervous system side effects similar to opioid toxicity. Option A is true as oral rehydration solution is the mainstay of treatment for diarrhea to prevent dehydration, and IV fluids are crucial in severe cases. Option C is true because diphenoxylate, by decreasing gastrointestinal motility, can potentially lead to toxic megacolon in severe colitis cases. Option D is also true because diphenoxylate should be avoided in infants and children with acute gastroenteritis due to the risk of paralytic ileus and respiratory depression. In an educational context, understanding the pharmacological principles behind the management of diarrhea is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective care. Knowing the differences between various antidiarrheal medications and their potential side effects is essential for making informed treatment decisions and ensuring patient safety.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this case, the correct adverse effect of Lactulose is D) Flatulence & aggravation of diabetes. Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy by drawing water into the colon. This mechanism can lead to increased gas production, hence causing flatulence. Additionally, Lactulose is broken down in the colon into acids, which can lower the pH and potentially worsen diabetes control in diabetic patients. Option A) Intestinal obstruction if not taken with plenty of fluids is incorrect because Lactulose is actually used to prevent constipation and encourage bowel movements by increasing water content in the colon. It does not cause intestinal obstruction. Option B) Mutagenic is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that Lactulose is mutagenic. Lactulose is not known to cause genetic mutations. Option C) Lipid pneumonia is an incorrect adverse effect for Lactulose. Lipid pneumonia can result from aspiration of oily substances into the lungs, not typically associated with Lactulose use. Educationally, understanding the adverse effects of medications is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective patient care. Knowing the specific adverse effects of Lactulose can help in monitoring and managing patients who are prescribed this medication, especially those with diabetes or prone to gastrointestinal issues. It highlights the importance of pharmacological knowledge in clinical practice to prevent and address potential complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Severe pain following head injury because morphine is generally contraindicated in head injuries as it can increase intracranial pressure and mask neurological changes, making it challenging to assess the patient's condition accurately. Option A) Analgesic in cancer pain is correct because morphine is commonly used to manage severe pain in cancer patients due to its potent analgesic effects. Option B) Acute pulmonary edema in acute left ventricular failure & myocardial infarction is correct as morphine helps reduce anxiety, preload, and afterload in these conditions, improving respiratory distress and reducing cardiac workload. Option C) In anesthesia is correct as morphine can be used perioperatively to provide pain relief and sedation during surgical procedures. Educationally, understanding the indications and contraindications of morphine is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective pain management. It is essential to consider the patient's condition, medical history, and potential risks before prescribing morphine to optimize patient outcomes and prevent adverse effects. Knowledge of pharmacology principles helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding medication use, promoting patient safety and quality care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the differences between drugs is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this case, the correct answer is A) It is preferred for long term treatment of chronic pain. Pethidine, also known as meperidine, is preferred for short-term pain relief due to its shorter duration of action compared to morphine. Morphine, on the other hand, is commonly used for long-term treatment of chronic pain due to its sustained analgesic effects. Option B) It is less liable to cause asphyxia neonatorum is incorrect because both pethidine and morphine can cause respiratory depression in newborns if used during labor. Option C) It is less liable to cause biliary colic is incorrect as both drugs can cause biliary colic due to their effects on the biliary tract. Option D) It has atropine-like action is incorrect as pethidine does not possess atropine-like actions, whereas morphine can cause histamine release leading to vasodilation and itching. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of different opioids and their clinical implications. It emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when selecting appropriate medications for pain management based on the patient's condition and treatment goals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, the major limitation to the use of benzodiazepines in anxiety is dependence, which is why option C is correct. Benzodiazepines have a high potential for tolerance and dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. This can result in patients requiring higher doses over time to achieve the same therapeutic effect, increasing the risk of addiction. Option A, no antidote being available if overdose toxicity occurs, is not the major limitation of benzodiazepines in anxiety. In fact, there is an antidote called flumazenil that can be used to reverse benzodiazepine toxicity. Option B, cardiovascular depression being common, is not a typical limitation of benzodiazepines. While they can cause some central nervous system depression, leading to effects like drowsiness, they are not known for causing significant cardiovascular depression. Option D, increased risk of respiratory depression, is more commonly associated with opioid medications rather than benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can cause some respiratory depression, especially in cases of overdose or when used in combination with other central nervous system depressants, but it is not their major limitation in the treatment of anxiety. Understanding the limitations and potential risks associated with benzodiazepines is crucial for healthcare providers to make informed decisions when prescribing these medications for anxiety. Education on the risks of dependence and the importance of monitoring patients for signs of tolerance and withdrawal is essential for safe and effective pharmacological treatment.