Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate for this patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Desmopressin is the most appropriate choice as it is a synthetic form of vasopressin, used to treat diabetes insipidus by reducing excessive urination and thirst. Hydrochlorothiazide (A) is a diuretic that increases urine output. Amiloride (B) is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Carbamazepine (D) is an anticonvulsant, not indicated for this patient's condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Better gastrointestinal absorption. During pregnancy, there are physiological changes that affect drug absorption. Levothyroxine requires careful adjustment because gastrointestinal absorption can be altered, leading to fluctuations in serum levels. Ensuring optimal absorption helps maintain stable thyroid hormone levels for maternal and fetal health. Rationale for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Longer half-life is not the primary reason for dose adjustment during pregnancy, as the concern lies more with absorption changes. B: Less frequent adverse effects do not drive the need for dose adjustment in pregnancy; it is about maintaining stable hormone levels. C: Higher affinity for thyroid receptors is not the primary factor driving dose adjustments; absorption is key to ensuring adequate hormone levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prednisone. Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions like autoimmune disorders. It suppresses the immune system, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. The other choices (A, C, D) are unlikely to be the cause of the patient's signs and symptoms as they are not typically used to treat autoimmune disorders or related symptoms. Mifepristone is an abortion pill, fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid used for adrenal insufficiency, and methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug or used to treat autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, but not typically for the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased catabolism of prostaglandins. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that exerts its therapeutic effect by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that promote inflammation. Prednisone works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, leading to decreased inflammation in Crohn's disease. Choice B: Decreased number of circulating neutrophils is incorrect because prednisone may decrease neutrophil count, but this is not the primary mechanism of action in treating Crohn's disease. Choice C: Increased proliferation of T cells is incorrect as prednisone actually suppresses T cell proliferation, which is beneficial in controlling inflammation in Crohn's disease. Choice D: Increased activation of complement system is incorrect as prednisone does not directly affect the complement system. The main mechanism of action lies in its ability to suppress inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. It inhibits estrogen synthesis, slowing cancer growth. Flutamide is for prostate cancer. Mifepristone is for abortion and Cushing's syndrome, not cancer. Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen and not used for cancer.