A 60-year-old female with chronic asthma is prescribed tiotropium. Tiotropium works by:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking muscarinic receptors in the lungs. Tiotropium is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking muscarinic receptors in the lungs. By doing so, it causes bronchodilation and helps in managing asthma symptoms. The other choices are incorrect because tiotropium does not stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors (B), inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells (C), or directly decrease the production of mucus in the airways (D). The mechanism of action of tiotropium specifically involves blocking muscarinic receptors, making choice A the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. Ezetimibe is a medication that works by blocking the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine, leading to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. This mechanism helps reduce overall cholesterol levels in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because ezetimibe does not inhibit HMG-CoA reductase in the liver (like statins), increase the excretion of cholesterol in the bile, or increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above). Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, and Fluvastatin are all examples of statins, a class of medications that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase enzyme to lower cholesterol levels. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, leading to decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Each of these medications has a slightly different potency and dosing regimen, but they all target the same enzyme and have similar mechanisms of action. Therefore, choosing all of the above as the correct answer is appropriate as they are all commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Binding to calcium channels in the central nervous system. Gabapentin binds to the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing calcium influx and inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. This mechanism helps to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability and alleviate neuropathic pain. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because gabapentin does not block sodium channels, inhibit serotonin reuptake, or increase dopamine levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Simvastatin is a statin drug known to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. 2. Hyperlipidemia is characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood, making statins the ideal treatment. 3. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, not indicated for hyperlipidemia. 4. Albuterol is a bronchodilator used for asthma, not hyperlipidemia. 5. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker for hypertension, not hyperlipidemia.