Which of the following medications is used for the management of rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Methotrexate. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to slow down the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage. Prednisone (B) is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation but does not suppress the immune system in the same way as Methotrexate. Aspirin (C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain and inflammation but does not alter the immune response. Hydroxychloroquine (D) is an antimalarial drug that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis but does not primarily suppress the immune system like Methotrexate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epinephrine. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating anaphylaxis due to its rapid action in constricting blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles, and opening airways. It helps counteract the severe allergic reaction and can save a person's life. Diphenhydramine (B) is an antihistamine that can help relieve itching and hives but is not as effective or fast-acting as epinephrine in treating anaphylaxis. Loratadine (C) is also an antihistamine, which is used for allergies but not for immediate treatment of anaphylaxis. Ibuprofen (D) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and inflammation, but it does not have the life-saving properties needed to treat anaphylaxis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough and throat irritation. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma and COPD. The mechanism of action of albuterol can lead to irritation of the throat and trigger coughing as a common adverse effect. This is due to the stimulation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airways, causing relaxation of the smooth muscles but also potentially irritating the throat lining. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because constipation, hypertension, and increased urination are not typically associated with albuterol inhalation therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sedation. Opioid analgesics commonly cause sedation due to their central nervous system depressant effects. They act on opioid receptors in the brain, leading to drowsiness and sedation. Diarrhea (A) is more commonly associated with opioid-induced constipation. Hypertension (C) is not a common adverse effect of opioids; they are more likely to cause hypotension. Hypokalemia (D) is not directly linked to opioid use. Sedation is the most prevalent adverse effect of opioids, making it the correct choice here.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the release of aldosterone, leading to increased blood pressure. By blocking this conversion, ACE inhibitors help dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. A: Blocking calcium channels is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers, not ACE inhibitors. C: Inhibiting aldosterone is the mechanism of action of aldosterone receptor antagonists, not ACE inhibitors. D: Increasing bradykinin levels is a side effect of ACE inhibitors, but not their primary mechanism of action.