A 26-year-old man with a chronic cough takes codeine for cough suppression. He presents to his primary care physician for follow-up. The patient admits to taking this medication three times daily even when he does not have symptoms. The treating physician must be concerned about which of the following effects?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Codeine, an opioid, risks addiction with frequent use. Diarrhea opposes its constipating effect. Euphoria and anxiety are possible but less concerning. Sweating (E) is minor. Addiction potential drives monitoring, given his overuse pattern.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a medication has a half-life, it refers to the time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream. Half-life is an important pharmacokinetic parameter which helps determine the dosing interval and duration of action of a drug. By understanding the half-life of a medication, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding dosing schedules to maintain therapeutic levels in the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is receiving diuretic therapy, monitoring intake, output, and daily weight is essential in assessing the patient's fluid volume status. Diuretics promote the excretion of excess fluid from the body, which can lead to changes in fluid balance. Monitoring intake and output provides information about how much fluid the patient is taking in and how much is being excreted, helping to assess the overall fluid balance. Daily weight measurements can also indicate changes in fluid status, as a sudden weight gain or loss may suggest fluid retention or depletion, respectively. Additionally, trends in weight changes over time can provide valuable information about the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the patient's response to treatment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) commonly cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction (e.g., delayed ejaculation), per patient reports-key for adherence. Drowsiness/coma are overdose risks, not common. Headache/nausea occur but fade. Dry mouth/urine retention are anticholinergic, not SSRI. These impact quality of life, needing emphasis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Levonordefrin is a vasoconstrictor that is commonly added to local anesthetic solutions to help reduce bleeding and prolong the anesthetic effect by constricting blood vessels at the injection site. Methylparaben, sodium bisulfite, and sodium pyrosulfite are not vasoconstrictors and do not serve this specific function in local anesthetic solutions.