A 50-year-old male with type 2 diabetes is prescribed canagliflozin. Canagliflozin works by:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys. Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that works by blocking the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 in the kidneys, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion. This mechanism helps lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because canagliflozin does not directly impact insulin secretion from the pancreas, the breakdown of incretin hormones, or insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Alendronate. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that works by slowing down bone loss and increasing bone density in osteoporosis. It inhibits osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. Raloxifene (A) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, not primarily used to increase bone density. Calcium carbonate (B) is a supplement to support bone health but not specifically for treating osteoporosis. Cholecalciferol (D) is a form of vitamin D used to support calcium absorption but does not directly increase bone density.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic. 2. Opioid analgesics work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. 3. By binding to these receptors, hydrocodone modulates pain perception and response. 4. This mechanism of action is how hydrocodone alleviates pain. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine - This describes the mechanism of action for antidepressants, not opioids like hydrocodone. C: Inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis - This is the mechanism of action for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), not opioids. D: Blocking sodium channels in peripheral nerves - This is a mechanism seen with local anesthetics, not opioids.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Alprazolam, Lorazepam, and Diazepam are all benzodiazepines that enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, leading to reduced anxiety and panic. These medications work by binding to GABA receptors and increasing the inhibitory actions of GABA. Therefore, all three medications are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. The other choices (A, B, C) are incorrect because each of these medications individually is commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders by enhancing GABA effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reducing inflammation in the airways. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps to control asthma symptoms. Corticosteroids like fluticasone target the underlying inflammation in asthma, leading to decreased airway swelling and mucus production. This helps to improve airflow and reduce asthma symptoms over time. Choice A is incorrect as histamine release inhibition is typically targeted by antihistamines, not corticosteroids like fluticasone. Choice B is incorrect because leukotriene receptor blockers target a different pathway in asthma treatment. Choice D is incorrect as bronchodilation, or relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, is typically achieved by bronchodilator medications like beta-agonists, not corticosteroids.