A 60-year-old female with osteoporosis is prescribed zoledronic acid. Zoledronic acid works by:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that works by inhibiting osteoclast activity, thereby reducing bone resorption. This helps in increasing bone density and strength in conditions like osteoporosis. Other choices are incorrect because zoledronic acid does not directly affect bone formation by osteoblasts (choice A), calcium absorption from the gut (choice C), or the secretion of parathyroid hormone (choice D).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that specifically targets beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to decreased heart rate and contractility, thereby reducing blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as blocking calcium channels is the mechanism of action for calcium channel blockers. Choice B is incorrect as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) inhibit the enzyme that produces angiotensin II. Choice D is incorrect as diuretics are medications that increase the excretion of sodium in the kidneys.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, which blocks the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, so by inhibiting its production, lisinopril helps dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because calcium channel blockers work differently. Choice C is incorrect because aldosterone release is not directly affected by lisinopril. Choice D is incorrect because beta-blockers target a different pathway in the heart.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Step 2: Fluoxetine is an SSRI commonly used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Step 3: Sertraline, citalopram, and lorazepam are not SSRIs but belong to other classes of medications. Summary: Sertraline, citalopram, and lorazepam are incorrect choices as they do not belong to the SSRI class like fluoxetine does.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A patient with a history of glaucoma. Albuterol can potentially worsen glaucoma due to its side effect of increasing intraocular pressure. Patients with glaucoma should avoid using albuterol to prevent exacerbating their condition. Patients with asthma (B) benefit from albuterol as it is a bronchodilator. Cough (C) can be a symptom of conditions that albuterol may help treat. Albuterol is generally safe for pregnant patients (D) when the benefits outweigh the risks.