A 55-year-old female 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 a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion and lowering blood glucose levels. This mechanism of action is unique to SGLT2 inhibitors and helps improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Choice B is incorrect because canagliflozin does not stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Choice C is incorrect as canagliflozin does not increase the release of glucagon from the pancreas. Choice D is incorrect because canagliflozin does not directly improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. The key mechanism of action of canagliflozin lies in its specific inhibition of glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, making choice A the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking the action of angiotensin II at its receptor. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which works by specifically blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors, thereby preventing its vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-releasing effects. This leads to vasodilation and reduced sodium and water retention, ultimately lowering blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because valsartan does not inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, increase sodium excretion in the kidneys, or block calcium channels in the blood vessels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroids can lead to increased blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing insulin sensitivity. This can result in hyperglycemia over time. Weight loss (B) is not a common side effect of corticosteroids; in fact, weight gain is more common. Hypotension (C) is not typically associated with corticosteroid use, as they can actually lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Hypertension (D) is a potential side effect of corticosteroids due to sodium and water retention, but it is less common than hyperglycemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that specifically targets L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. By blocking these channels, amlodjsonline reduces the influx of calcium ions, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral vascular resistance, which ultimately lowers blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because amlodipine does not inhibit the synthesis of angiotensin II, inhibit sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, or block beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Diuretics are commonly used to reduce fluid retention in conditions like heart failure by increasing urine output. This helps decrease edema and reduce the workload on the heart. Other choices are incorrect: A is treated with lipid-lowering medications, C with sleep aids, and D with antidiabetic drugs.