Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, and Lovastatin are all statin medications that work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol levels. These medications are commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Choosing D as the correct answer is appropriate because all the listed medications belong to the same class and function in the same way. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect individually because they are all valid options for medications that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nitroglycerin is the correct answer for treating acute angina attacks. It is a vasodilator that helps relax and widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. This relieves chest pain during an angina attack. Aspirin is not typically used to treat acute angina attacks but is used for its antiplatelet effects in preventing heart attacks. Lisinopril and Hydrochlorothiazide are not indicated for the acute treatment of angina attacks as they are blood pressure medications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting glucagon release from the pancreas. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release from the pancreas. By inhibiting glucagon release, liraglutide helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because liraglutide does not directly increase insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, or inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines.

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: Inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron to inhibit the sodium-chloride symporter, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water. This mechanism results in decreased blood volume and subsequently lowers blood pressure, making it an effective treatment for hypertension. Option B is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide does not block calcium channels. Option C is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide actually increases the excretion of sodium and water, not potassium. Option D is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide does not directly inhibit aldosterone secretion.