Which of the following medications is used to treat anxiety and depression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fluoxetine. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sertraline (A) and Escitalopram (D) are also SSRIs commonly used for this purpose, but Fluoxetine is specifically known for treating both anxiety and depression. Clonazepam (B) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety, but it does not directly affect serotonin reuptake.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reducing inflammation in the airways. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways, making it an effective treatment for asthma. Inflammation in the airways is a key factor in asthma symptoms, and corticosteroids like budesonide help to decrease this inflammation, thereby improving breathing and reducing asthma symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because budesonide does not work by blocking leukotriene receptors, inhibiting histamine release, or relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. Instead, its main mechanism of action is through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three medications (Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, and Loratadine) are antihistamines that work by blocking histamine receptors to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine, while Cetirizine and Loratadine are second-generation antihistamines with longer durations of action and less sedation. Therefore, choosing all of the above encompasses the various antihistamines commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. Simvastatin is a statin medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which plays a key role in cholesterol synthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme, simvastatin reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, leading to a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because simvastatin does not directly affect cholesterol absorption in the intestines, increase HDL cholesterol levels, or increase the excretion of cholesterol in the bile.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Efavirenz. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in HIV/AIDS management by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme. It works by binding to the enzyme, preventing the conversion of RNA to DNA in the virus. Amoxicillin (B) is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, Clarithromycin (C) is also an antibiotic for bacterial infections, and Fluconazole (D) is an antifungal medication. These choices do not target the reverse transcriptase enzyme involved in HIV replication, making them incorrect for managing HIV/AIDS.