A 50-year-old female with diabetes is prescribed liraglutide. Liraglutide works by:

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: 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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor. 2. ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. 3. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor. 4. By inhibiting its production, enalapril helps lower blood pressure. 5. Therefore, choice B is correct. Summary: A: Blocking angiotensin II directly is the mechanism of ARBs, not ACE inhibitors. C: Enalapril does not directly affect sodium excretion. D: Enalapril may actually increase potassium levels due to decreased aldosterone production.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replacing deficient thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to various symptoms. By prescribing levothyroxine, we are supplying the body with the thyroid hormone it lacks, thereby replacing the deficient hormone and restoring normal thyroid function. Explanation of other choices: A: Increasing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is incorrect because levothyroxine does not directly affect TSH production. C: Inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis is incorrect because levothyroxine does not inhibit thyroid hormone production. D: Increasing the metabolism of thyroid hormones is incorrect because levothyroxine does not directly increase the metabolism of existing thyroid hormones; it simply replaces the deficient hormone.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Constipation. Opioid medications slow down the movement of the digestive system, leading to constipation. This is a well-known side effect of opioids due to their action on opioid receptors in the gut. Nausea and vomiting can also occur but are less common than constipation. Diarrhea is actually a less common side effect of opioids. Increased appetite is not a typical side effect of opioid medications.