Which of the following correctly pairs the most likely offending pathogen with the appropriate treatment?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cryptococcus neoformans: amphotericin B. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus causing severe meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. Amphotericin B is the first-line treatment for cryptococcal meningitis due to its efficacy against the pathogen. It works by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, disrupting membrane integrity. Griseofulvin (choice B) is used for dermatophyte infections like Trichophyton, not for Cryptococcus. Fluconazole (choice C) is used for Histoplasma and Aspergillus infections but not as effective against Cryptococcus as amphotericin B. Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly treated with voriconazole or amphotericin B, not fluconazole as in choice D.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enoxaparin. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin commonly prescribed for post-surgery blood clot prevention due to its effectiveness in inhibiting blood clot formation. Warfarin (A) is primarily used for long-term anticoagulation therapy, not typically for post-surgery prevention. Aspirin (C) is a mild antiplatelet agent and is not as effective as enoxaparin for post-surgery clot prevention. Clopidogrel (D) is also an antiplatelet drug but is not commonly prescribed for post-surgery blood clot prevention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and inhibits glucagon secretion. This leads to improved blood glucose control in patients with diabetes. Choice B is incorrect because liraglutide does not primarily work by improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Choice C is incorrect because liraglutide does not inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines. Choice D is incorrect because liraglutide does not inhibit the enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Penicillin. Penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. This mechanism makes penicillin effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. Azithromycin (B) and Ciprofloxacin (C) are antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and DNA replication, respectively, not cell wall synthesis. Amoxicillin (D) is also a beta-lactam antibiotic like penicillin, but it is not the best choice here as penicillin is more commonly used for cell wall synthesis inhibition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Methotrexate. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) commonly used to reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing the inflammation that causes joint damage. Ibuprofen (B) and Celecoxib (D) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can help with pain relief but do not target the underlying inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine (C) is another DMARD used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, but it is primarily used for its immunomodulating effects rather than its anti-inflammatory properties.