A patient with risk factors for coronary artery disease asks the nurse about the “good cholesterol” laboratory values. The nurse knows that “good cholesterol” refers to which lipids?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: High-density lipoproteins (HDLs). HDLs are known as "good cholesterol" because they help remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. Triglycerides (A), LDLs (B), and VLDLs (C) are not considered "good cholesterol." Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease when elevated. LDLs are often referred to as "bad cholesterol" as they can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. VLDLs are another type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides and can contribute to heart disease risk.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs interact with the body to produce their effects, focusing on mechanisms of drug action. This includes drug-receptor interactions, signal transduction pathways, and physiological responses. Biotransformation (choice B), distribution (choice C), and excretion (choice D) are aspects of pharmacokinetics, not pharmacodynamics. Pharmacokinetics deals with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it directly relates to the study of pharmacodynamics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ultracaine. Ultracaine is a thiophene derivative because it contains a thiophene ring in its chemical structure. Thiophene is a five-membered heterocyclic compound containing sulfur. Procaine (A) is an ester local anesthetic, Lidocaine (C) is an amide local anesthetic, and Mepivacaine (D) is an amide local anesthetic. Therefore, they do not belong to the thiophene derivative class. Ultracaine is the only option that fits the description of being a thiophene derivative.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Edrophonium. Edrophonium is an indirect-acting cholinomimetic agent because it works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme, leading to an increase in acetylcholine levels at the synaptic cleft. This results in enhanced cholinergic transmission. On the other hand, choices A, C, and D are direct-acting cholinomimetics. Lobeline (A) acts as a nicotinic receptor agonist, Pilocarpine (C) is a muscarinic receptor agonist, and Carbachol (D) is a non-selective cholinomimetic that directly stimulates both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors without affecting acetylcholinesterase. Therefore, Edrophonium is the only indirect-acting cholinomimetic among the provided options.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hexamethonium is a ganglionic blocker that acts specifically at the autonomic ganglia. It inhibits the action of acetylcholine at the ganglionic nicotinic receptors, leading to the blockade of autonomic functions. This results in the inhibition of sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Autonomic ganglia. Muscarinic receptor site (A) is not directly affected by Hexamethonium. Neuromuscular junction (B) is not the primary site of action for this drug. Axonal transmission (D) is not the specific target of Hexamethonium.