Which of the following drugs would be appropriate for systemic antifungal treatment of this patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Caspofungin. This drug is appropriate for systemic antifungal treatment as it inhibits the synthesis of beta-glucan in fungal cell walls. It is effective against a broad spectrum of fungal infections. Amphotericin B (A) is also a systemic antifungal but is associated with more severe side effects. Piperacillin (C) is an antibiotic not used for antifungal treatment. Metronidazole (D) is an antiprotozoal and antibiotic, not effective against systemic fungal infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Chloroquine is a known antimalarial drug that targets Plasmodium species by inhibiting their ability to replicate within red blood cells. Step 2: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic effective against bacteria, not parasites like Plasmodium. Step 3: Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin are also antibiotics that target bacterial infections, not malaria caused by Plasmodium species.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Binding to opioid receptors in the brain. Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body to reduce pain perception. Opioid receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system and play a crucial role in pain modulation. By binding to these receptors, oxycodone can produce analgesic effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine is a mechanism of action for some antidepressants, not opioids like oxycodone. C: Inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis is a mechanism of action for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), not opioids like oxycodone. D: Increasing dopamine release is a mechanism of action for certain stimulant medications, not opioids like oxycodone.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rifampin. Rifampin is used to treat tuberculosis by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis through binding to the beta subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase. This inhibits transcription and ultimately leads to bacterial cell death. Isoniazid (choice A) targets mycolic acid synthesis, not RNA synthesis. Amoxicillin (choice C) and Azithromycin (choice D) are antibiotics that work by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis or protein synthesis, respectively, not RNA synthesis. Thus, Rifampin is the correct choice for treating tuberculosis by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Amlodipine (A) because it is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine specifically targets smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, causing vasodilation and reducing the workload on the heart. Hydrochlorothiazide (B) is a diuretic that works by increasing urine output but does not directly relax blood vessels. Losartan (C) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II but does not directly relax blood vessels. Enalapril (D) is an ACE inhibitor that also blocks vasoconstriction effects but does not directly relax blood vessels.