Which of the following drugs is used to manage hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Metformin is the correct answer as it works by increasing insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. It does this by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin utilization in peripheral tissues. Insulin (A) is not used to increase insulin sensitivity but to directly lower blood sugar levels. Sulfonylureas (C) and DPP-4 inhibitors (D) work by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting its breakdown respectively, not by increasing insulin sensitivity.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Methimazole. Methimazole is an anti-thyroid medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones, making it a common treatment for hyperthyroidism. It blocks the enzyme responsible for thyroid hormone production. Levothyroxine (A) is used to treat hypothyroidism by providing thyroid hormone replacement. Amiodarone (C) is an anti-arrhythmic drug that can cause thyroid dysfunction but is not commonly used for hyperthyroidism treatment. Prednisone (D) is a corticosteroid and is not used to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.

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.