Which of the following medications is a corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prednisone. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, making it effective in treating conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Lorazepam, Omeprazole, and Diazepam are not corticosteroids and do not have anti-inflammatory properties. Lorazepam and Diazepam are benzodiazepines used for anxiety and seizures, while Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used for reducing stomach acid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking the action of angiotensin II at its receptor. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by binding to angiotensin II receptors, preventing angiotensin II from exerting its vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-stimulating effects. By blocking angiotensin II, valsartan helps dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the workload on the heart. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because valsartan does not inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (choice B), inhibit aldosterone release (choice C), or directly increase sodium excretion in the kidneys (choice D).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to ulcers or bleeding. This is a well-documented and common side effect of NSAIDs due to their mechanism of action. Hypertension (A), hypoglycemia (C), and weight gain (D) are not typically associated with NSAIDs. Hypertension is more commonly linked to other types of medications, hypoglycemia is not a known side effect of NSAIDs, and weight gain is not a common side effect either.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics increase potassium excretion, leading to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Thiazides inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal tubule, causing diuresis and potassium loss. Hyperkalemia (A) is not a primary side effect of thiazides; weight gain (C) is uncommon with thiazides; hyperglycemia (D) is more associated with other classes of diuretics. In summary, hypokalemia is the primary side effect of thiazide diuretics due to increased potassium excretion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking muscarinic receptors in the lungs. Tiotropium is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking muscarinic receptors in the lungs. By doing so, it causes bronchodilation and helps in managing asthma symptoms. The other choices are incorrect because tiotropium does not stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors (B), inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells (C), or directly decrease the production of mucus in the airways (D). The mechanism of action of tiotropium specifically involves blocking muscarinic receptors, making choice A the correct answer.