Which of the following medications is most commonly used for the treatment of acute anaphylaxis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epinephrine. Epinephrine is the most commonly used medication for treating acute anaphylaxis due to its rapid onset of action and ability to reverse severe allergic reactions. It works by constricting blood vessels, increasing heart rate, and opening airways. Diphenhydramine (B) is an antihistamine that can help with mild allergic reactions but is not as effective as epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Albuterol (C) is a bronchodilator used for asthma and may help with airway constriction in some cases of anaphylaxis, but it is not the first-line treatment. Prednisone (D) is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation but is not fast-acting enough for the immediate treatment of anaphylaxis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Amlodipine works by blocking calcium channels in the blood vessels, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance. This results in reduced blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine do not inhibit norepinephrine reuptake (B), stimulate beta-1 adrenergic receptors (C), or increase sodium excretion in the kidneys (D). These mechanisms are associated with other classes of medications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Warfarin. Warfarin is a commonly used anticoagulant that helps prevent thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation by inhibiting the clotting factors. It is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke. Heparin is typically used for acute treatment, not long-term prevention. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet agents, not anticoagulants, and are less effective in preventing thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroids can increase blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and decreasing glucose uptake in cells. This leads to hyperglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because corticosteroids usually cause hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Choice B is incorrect as corticosteroids typically increase appetite, not decrease it. Choice D is incorrect because weight gain, not weight loss, is a common side effect of corticosteroid use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased levels of serotonin available for neurotransmission. This helps alleviate symptoms of depression by enhancing serotonin signaling. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sertraline specifically targets serotonin reuptake, not norepinephrine, dopamine, monoamine oxidase, or acetylcholine.