Tick the drug for neurocysticercosis treatment:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Praziquantel. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating neurocysticercosis as it is effective against the tapeworm causing this condition. It works by affecting the tapeworm's cell membrane, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. Pyrantel is used for treating intestinal parasites, not neurocysticercosis. Piperazine is used for treating roundworm infections. Bithionol is used for treating certain types of flukes. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for neurocysticercosis treatment is praziquantel due to its effectiveness against the tapeworm causing the condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lovastatin. Lovastatin is a statin drug that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. It is effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Niacin (choice A) is also used for hyperlipidemia but has more side effects. Cholestyramine (choice B) is a bile acid sequestrant used for high cholesterol but is less effective than statins. Nicotinamide (choice D) is a form of vitamin B3 and is not indicated for hyperlipidemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the factors that predispose a patient to drug toxicity is crucial for safe medication administration. In the case of digitalis (digoxin) toxicity, hypercalcemia is a situation that can increase the risk. **Rationale for Option A (Hypercalcemia):** Hypercalcemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digitalis by increasing the sensitivity of the myocardium to the drug, leading to an increased risk of arrhythmias and other cardiac complications. Therefore, it is the correct answer in this scenario. **Rationale for Options B, C, D (Hyperkalemia, Hypermagnesemia, None provided):** - **Option B (Hyperkalemia):** Hyperkalemia is actually a condition that can mitigate the toxic effects of digitalis by counteracting its action on cardiac myocytes. - **Option C (Hypermagnesemia):** Hypermagnesemia does not predispose a digitalis-treated patient to toxicity; in fact, magnesium deficiency can potentiate digitalis toxicity. - **Option D (None provided):** This option is not applicable for analysis. **Educational Context:** Understanding the interactions and predisposing factors for digitalis toxicity is essential for healthcare professionals, especially in the context of managing cardiovascular conditions. By grasping these principles, clinicians can make informed decisions about medication dosages, monitoring parameters, and potential risks associated with digitalis therapy. In conclusion, hypercalcemia is a significant factor that can predispose a digitalis-treated patient to toxicity, making it crucial for healthcare providers to be vigilant and monitor for this potential risk factor during treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Is due partly to increased vagal activity. Explanation: Digitalis, a medication commonly used in atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, exerts its effects by increasing vagal activity. This leads to a reduction in heart rate and helps in regulating the rhythm of the heart. Vagal stimulation slows down the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular node, thereby controlling the heart rate. Why the other options are wrong: B) Is due partly to decreased sympathetic activity: While sympathetic activity does play a role in the regulation of heart rate, the primary mechanism of action for digitalis in this context is through increased vagal activity. C) Is due partly to depression of S.A. Node: Digitalis primarily affects the atrioventricular node rather than the sinoatrial (S.A.) node. D) May be partly related to a vagal-mediated increase in atrial frequency: This statement is contradictory as an increase in vagal activity usually leads to a decrease in heart rate, not an increase in atrial frequency. Educational context: Understanding the pharmacological effects of digitalis on the cardiovascular system is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those involved in managing patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. This knowledge helps in optimizing treatment strategies and ensuring safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used in heart failure to increase myocardial contractility (positive inotropic effect) by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to increased intracellular calcium levels. This improves cardiac output and reduces heart failure symptoms. Incorrect options: A) Negative inotropic, negative chronotropic effect - This is incorrect because digoxin actually has a positive inotropic effect. C) Negative inotropic, positive inotropic effect - This is incorrect as it combines contradictory effects of negative inotropy and positive inotropy. D) Positive inotropic, positive chronotropic effect - This is incorrect because digoxin causes a negative chronotropic effect by slowing down the heart rate. Educational context: Understanding the effects of digoxin is crucial for nurses caring for patients with heart failure. Knowledge of its mechanism of action helps in monitoring for therapeutic effects and potential adverse reactions. It's important for nurses to accurately assess and interpret the patient's response to digoxin therapy to ensure safe and effective care.