A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed amiodarone. Amiodarone works by:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Inhibiting potassium channels in the heart. Amiodarone works by prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period by inhibiting potassium channels. This helps to stabilize the heart's rhythm in atrial fibrillation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because amiodarone does not directly affect sodium channels, beta-adrenergic receptors, or calcium influx into the myocardium. Sodium channel blockers are class I antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers target beta-adrenergic receptors, and drugs that increase calcium influx are typically used for other indications like heart failure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Do not use near heat or flame." Albuterol is a bronchodilator inhaler, and using it near heat or flame can lead to the risk of fire due to its flammable nature. This instruction is crucial for patient safety. A: "Do not use this medication more than once a day" is incorrect because the frequency of albuterol inhaler use is typically based on the individual's condition and prescribed by the healthcare provider. B: "Rinse your mouth after every use to avoid infection" is not directly related to albuterol inhaler use. Rinsing the mouth is more commonly recommended with steroid inhalers to prevent oral thrush. D: "Take it with food to reduce GI discomfort" is not necessary for albuterol inhaler use as it is not typically associated with significant gastrointestinal side effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions. This leads to increased excretion of water and electrolytes, reducing fluid volume and relieving congestion in heart failure patients. Choice B is incorrect because furosemide does not directly inhibit aldosterone. Choice C is incorrect because furosemide does not affect myocardial contractions but rather fluid balance. Choice D is incorrect because furosemide's primary mechanism of action is not related to relaxing vascular smooth muscle.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. Atorvastatin is a statin drug that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, atorvastatin reduces the production of cholesterol in the body, leading to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because atorvastatin does not increase cholesterol synthesis, bind bile acids, or directly increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Sertraline belongs to this class of antidepressants, which work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its levels in the brain. This helps alleviate symptoms of depression. Sertraline is not classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like venlafaxine (Effexor) or duloxetine (Cymbalta), nor a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) such as amitriptyline. It is also not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine (Nardil) or selegiline (Emsam). SSRI is the most appropriate classification for sertraline based on its mechanism of action and therapeutic use in depression.