ATI RN
Safety Pharmacology Across the Lifespan Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 50-year-old female with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. Levothyroxine works by:
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 hormone, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain. By prescribing levothyroxine, the deficient thyroid hormone levels can be restored to normal, alleviating the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Increasing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - Levothyroxine does not directly affect TSH production; TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland. C: Inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis - Levothyroxine does not inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis; it provides the body with the thyroid hormone it lacks. D: Increasing the metabolism of thyroid hormones - Levothyroxine does not increase the metabolism of thyroid hormones; it directly
Question 2 of 5
Which drug is used to treat acute gout attacks?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Colchicine. Colchicine is used to treat acute gout attacks by reducing inflammation and pain caused by urate crystal deposits in joints. It works by inhibiting inflammatory processes. Allopurinol is used for long-term management of gout by reducing uric acid levels. Ibuprofen and Aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can help with pain but do not target the underlying cause of gout.
Question 3 of 5
A 60-year-old female with hyperlipidemia is prescribed ezetimibe. Ezetimibe works by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. When taken orally, it targets the NPC1L1 protein in the small intestine, preventing cholesterol absorption. This mechanism reduces total cholesterol levels in the blood. - Choice A: Correct. Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. - Choice B: Incorrect. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors like statins work in the liver, not in the small intestine. - Choice C: Incorrect. Ezetimibe does not increase HDL cholesterol levels. - Choice D: Incorrect. Blocking bile acid reabsorption is the mechanism of action of bile acid sequestrants, not ezetimibe.
Question 4 of 5
A 50-year-old male with hypertension is prescribed amlodipine. Amlodipine works by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically blocking calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels. By inhibiting calcium entry into cells, it reduces muscle contraction and dilates blood vessels, leading to decreased blood pressure. This mechanism is effective in treating hypertension. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake is related to antidepressants, not amlodipine. C: Stimulating beta-1 adrenergic receptors would increase heart rate and contractility, opposite of amlodipine's effects. D: Inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys is a mechanism of diuretics, not calcium channel blockers like amlodipine.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following drugs is most commonly prescribed for hyperthyroidism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Methimazole. Methimazole is commonly prescribed for hyperthyroidism as it inhibits the production of thyroid hormones. It is a first-line treatment for this condition. Levothyroxine (A) is used to treat hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Propranolol (C) is used to manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism like rapid heart rate but does not treat the underlying cause. Amiodarone (D) can actually induce hyperthyroidism as a side effect.