A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU). What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Suppress thyroid hormone production. PTU is an antithyroid medication used to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, effectively suppressing their production. This helps to manage hyperthyroidism by reducing excessive levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as PTU does not aim to increase hormone production, enhance iodine absorption, or stimulate the thyroid gland. Understanding the mechanism of action of PTU is crucial in recognizing its primary purpose in treating hyperthyroidism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Relieve neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. It is effective in conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Choice B is incorrect because gabapentin does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Choice C is incorrect as gabapentin does not enhance opioid analgesia, but it can be used in conjunction with opioids for pain management. Choice D is incorrect as gabapentin is not indicated for cough suppression.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary action of digoxin in heart failure is to strengthen cardiac contractions. Digoxin inhibits the sodium-potassium pump, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels, which enhances the force of myocardial contractions. This helps improve cardiac output and symptoms of heart failure. Explanation: A: Incorrect - Digoxin does not increase heart rate, it mainly affects the strength of contractions. B: Incorrect - Digoxin does not decrease cardiac output; it actually helps improve it by enhancing contractility. D: Incorrect - Digoxin may have a slight effect on lowering blood pressure, but its primary action in heart failure is to strengthen cardiac contractions, not lower blood pressure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduce anxiety. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the central nervous system to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to calm the brain and reduce anxiety. This medication does not increase energy levels (choice A), induce sedation (choice B), or elevate mood (choice C). Alprazolam's primary action is to target and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing excessive brain activity associated with anxiety disorders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease heart rate. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate. This helps reduce the workload of the heart and improve its efficiency in patients with heart failure. Choice A is incorrect because carvedilol may not necessarily increase cardiac output directly. Choice B is incorrect because carvedilol focuses more on improving heart function rather than directly reducing fluid retention. Choice D is incorrect because while carvedilol may lower blood pressure as a secondary effect, its primary purpose in heart failure is to improve cardiac function by decreasing heart rate.