A 70-year-old female with osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate. Alendronate works by:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate drug that works by inhibiting osteoclasts, which are responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By inhibiting osteoclast activity, alendronate helps to reduce bone resorption and increase bone density. This is particularly beneficial for patients with osteoporosis, as it helps to slow down bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. Choice B is incorrect because alendronate does not directly affect calcium absorption from the intestine. Choice C is incorrect because alendronate does not promote osteoblast activity, which is responsible for building new bone tissue. Choice D is incorrect because alendronate does not increase parathyroid hormone levels; in fact, it can actually decrease parathyroid hormone levels by affecting calcium homeostasis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood. It helps to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes. Carbamazepine (A) is also used to treat bipolar disorder, but it primarily targets manic episodes. Sertraline (C) is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, not bipolar disorder. Lorazepam (D) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and insomnia, not bipolar disorder. In summary, Lithium is the correct choice as it specifically targets mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.

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.

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.

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.