Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways, leading to airway dilation and improved airflow. This helps in easing breathing difficulties in conditions like asthma and COPD. Corticosteroids (B) reduce inflammation, antihistamines (C) block histamine effects, and mucolytics (D) help in thinning mucus but do not directly relax airway muscles like bronchodilators do.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer because it is a procedure used to remove fluid or air from the pleural space, which can help a patient breathe easier. The steps involved in thoracentesis include identifying the location for insertion, numbing the area with local anesthesia, inserting a needle or catheter into the pleural space, draining the fluid or air, and monitoring the patient for any complications. Summary: - B: Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung conditions, not to remove fluid or air from the pleural space. - C: Chest X-ray is an imaging test used to visualize the chest area and diagnose various conditions, but it does not involve removing fluid or air from the pleural space. - D: CT scan is an imaging test that provides detailed images of the internal structures of the body, but it is not a procedure for removing fluid or air from the pleural space.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer. Alveoli destruction in emphysema leads to shortness of breath and reduced oxygen exchange. This condition is primarily caused by smoking and results in irreversible damage to the air sacs in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli destruction. Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs, disrupting oxygen exchange. Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung, which may not directly lead to alveoli destruction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This occurs due to a breakdown in immune tolerance, resulting in the immune system targeting self-antigens. This leads to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. In contrast, infectious diseases are caused by pathogens, allergic reactions are responses to harmless substances, and degenerative diseases involve the gradual deterioration of tissues over time. Therefore, autoimmune disease best fits the description provided in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Statins are the correct answer as they specifically target and lower cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. Statins are proven to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics do not directly affect cholesterol levels; beta-blockers are used for managing blood pressure and heart rate, ACE inhibitors for blood pressure and heart function, and diuretics for reducing fluid buildup in the body. Therefore, statins are the most appropriate medication for lowering cholesterol levels.