Tick the drug of choice for herpes and cytomegalovirus infection treatment:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Acyclovir. Acyclovir is the drug of choice for herpes and cytomegalovirus infections due to its specific antiviral activity against these viruses. It works by inhibiting viral DNA replication. Saquinavir is a protease inhibitor used for HIV, not herpes or cytomegalovirus. Interferon alfa is used for viral infections like hepatitis B and C, not herpes or cytomegalovirus. Didanozine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for HIV, not herpes or cytomegalovirus. Therefore, Acyclovir is the correct choice for these infections.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prazosin. This drug is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist commonly used to treat hypertension. The adverse effect described is orthostatic hypotension, which is a known side effect of alpha-1 blockers like prazosin. When prazosin blocks alpha-1 receptors in blood vessels, it can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, causing orthostatic hypotension. Propranolol (A) is a beta-blocker, Minoxidil (B) is a vasodilator, and Hydralazine (C) is also a vasodilator, but these drugs do not directly affect alpha-1 receptors and are less likely to cause orthostatic hypotension compared to prazosin.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: In a patient receiving digoxin for congestive heart failure, hypomagnesemia is a condition that may facilitate the appearance of toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in the presence of low magnesium levels because magnesium is essential for proper digoxin metabolism. When magnesium levels are low, the risk of digoxin toxicity increases as magnesium deficiency impairs the body's ability to eliminate digoxin effectively. Hyperkalemia (option A) is not typically associated with increased risk of digoxin toxicity. In fact, hypokalemia is a more common risk factor for digoxin toxicity as low potassium levels can enhance the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart. Hypernatremia (option B) and hypocalcemia (option C) are not directly linked to increased risk of digoxin toxicity. These electrolyte imbalances do not interact with digoxin in the same way that hypomagnesemia does. Educational context: Understanding the factors that can influence digoxin toxicity is crucial for healthcare professionals managing patients with congestive heart failure. Proper monitoring of electrolyte levels, particularly magnesium and potassium, is essential to prevent digoxin toxicity. This knowledge helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding digoxin dosing and monitoring strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this quiz question comparing Procainamide and Quinidine, the correct answer is D) Both (b) and (c). Procainamide differs from Quinidine because Procainamide does not have alpha adrenergic blocking activity (option B) and it has little antivagal action (option C). Quinidine, on the other hand, does possess both of these properties. Option A, stating that Procainamide does not cause paradoxical tachycardia, is incorrect because both Procainamide and Quinidine can potentially cause this side effect due to their class III antiarrhythmic properties. Understanding these differences between Procainamide and Quinidine is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in cardiology or critical care settings. Knowing the specific characteristics of each drug can help in making informed decisions about which medication to use based on the patient's condition and individual response to treatment. This knowledge can also aid in predicting and managing potential side effects or complications associated with these drugs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Nitrites. Methaemoglobinaemia is a condition where there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Nitrites are known to cause methaemoglobinaemia when taken in high doses. Nitrites oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which impairs its ability to bind and transport oxygen effectively. Digitalis (option A) is not associated with causing methaemoglobinaemia. Digitalis drugs are commonly used to treat heart conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias by affecting the heart's contraction strength. Propranolol (option C) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and other cardiovascular conditions. It does not lead to methaemoglobinaemia as a side effect. Option D (All of the above) is incorrect because as mentioned earlier, only nitrites are associated with causing methaemoglobinaemia. Selecting this option would be misleading and incorrect. Educationally, understanding the side effects and potential complications of cardiovascular drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working with patients taking these medications. This knowledge can help in recognizing and managing adverse effects promptly, ensuring patient safety and well-being. It also highlights the importance of proper dosing and monitoring when administering medications that can have significant physiological effects beyond their intended purpose.