Which of the following drugs was most likely administered to facilitate avoidance from ethanol dependence?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Naltrexone, an opiate receptor antagonist, was likely administered to the patient to facilitate avoidance from ethanol dependence, as research suggests that compulsive alcohol drinking is influenced by opiate receptor activity. Naltrexone helps reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, making it easier for the patient to abstain from drinking.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms described, such as headache, depression, lack of motivation, and confusion, are commonly associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, which includes drugs like Diazepam. This drug is used to treat anxiety and withdrawal symptoms can mimic the patient's presentation. The other options do not typically cause the specific symptoms mentioned in the scenario, making Diazepam the most likely culprit.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The text mentions that the patient had a blood level of morphine substantially lower than the estimated minimum lethal concentration, indicating that morphine alone did not cause the death. Considering the symptoms and circumstances described, the most likely drug that could have contributed to the patient's death when combined with morphine is cocaine. Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to potential cardiovascular complications when used concurrently with opioids like morphine. Additionally, the patient being a drug user who tried different drugs increases the likelihood of cocaine use due to its common recreational use in party settings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Histamine. Explanation of why B is correct: â-Aminoethylimidazole is the chemical name for histamine. Histamine is a biogenic amine that plays a crucial role in the body's immune response, inflammatory processes, and regulation of gastric acid secretion. It acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is involved in various physiological functions. Explanation of why others are wrong: A) 2-methyl histamine: This is a different compound with a methyl group attached to histamine, not the same as â-Aminoethylimidazole. C) 2-pyridyl ethylamine: This is a different compound with a pyridine ring, not the same as â-Aminoethylimidazole. D) 4-methyl histamine: Similar to option A, this is a different compound with a methyl group attached to histamine, not the same as â-Aminoethylimidazole. Educational context: Understanding the chemical names of drugs and compounds is essential for healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists and nurses, as it helps in drug identification, dosing, and understanding drug interactions and mechanisms of action. Knowing the chemical structures and names of important molecules like histamine can assist in providing safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of salicylate intoxication, the correct answer is B) Hypothermia. Salicylate intoxication typically leads to a series of metabolic and respiratory disturbances. Hyperventilation (option A) occurs due to direct stimulation of the respiratory center in the brain, leading to respiratory alkalosis (option D) as a compensatory mechanism. Metabolic acidosis (option C) results from the accumulation of salicylic acid, leading to anion gap metabolic acidosis. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is not a typical manifestation of salicylate intoxication. Salicylates are known to cause hyperthermia due to increased metabolism and uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. This can result in a rise in body temperature rather than hypothermia. Educationally, understanding the effects of salicylate intoxication is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses and pharmacists, who may encounter patients with overdose or toxicity. Recognizing these signs and symptoms promptly is vital for timely intervention and preventing serious complications. By grasping the distinct effects of salicylate intoxication, healthcare providers can provide effective care and improve patient outcomes.