A 75-year-old female with asthma is prescribed ipratropium. Ipratropium works by:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking muscarinic receptors in the airways. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking muscarinic receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation. This blocks the action of acetylcholine, which normally causes bronchoconstriction in asthma. Option B, stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors, is incorrect because ipratropium does not directly target beta-2 receptors. Option C, inhibiting histamine release, is incorrect as ipratropium does not affect histamine release. Option D, increasing acetylcholine release, is incorrect as ipratropium actually blocks the action of acetylcholine.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Omeprazole. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production, making it effective in treating acid reflux. It works by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid production in the stomach. Loratadine (B) is an antihistamine used for allergies, Diphenhydramine (C) is also an antihistamine used for allergies and sleep aid, and Ibuprofen (D) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain relief. These medications do not target stomach acid production and are not commonly prescribed for acid reflux.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reducing inflammation in the airways. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways, which is a key mechanism in managing asthma symptoms. Corticosteroids like budesonide inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and suppress immune response in the airways. This helps to decrease swelling and mucus production, ultimately improving breathing in asthma patients. Choice A is incorrect because budesonide does not block leukotriene receptors. Choice B is incorrect because budesonide does not stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors like beta-agonists do. Choice D is incorrect because budesonide does not inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium ion entry into smooth muscle cells. Step 2: By blocking calcium influx, amlodipine relaxes blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Step 3: Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, not a calcium channel blocker. Step 4: Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, not a calcium channel blocker. Step 5: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, not a calcium channel blocker.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are specifically designed to reduce the risk of blood clot formation by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood. Patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of developing blood clots due to irregular heartbeats, making anticoagulants the most appropriate class of drugs for this condition. ACE inhibitors (A) are used to treat high blood pressure, not specifically for preventing blood clots. Antiplatelets (B) work by preventing platelets from sticking together, but they are not as effective as anticoagulants for reducing the risk of blood clots in atrial fibrillation. Beta-blockers (D) are used to manage heart rate and blood pressure in atrial fibrillation, but they do not directly target blood clot formation.