A 36-year-old woman grocery store manager with a fair complexion and blue eyes presents to her primary care physician for a routine exam. She mentions a friend of hers who is taking bimatoprost to increase the length and amount of her eyelashes and asks if you would recommend it for her. Her past medical history is significant for migraine headaches. Which of the following is a side effect you should warn her about?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Permanent darkening of the irises. Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog used to treat glaucoma and also has the side effect of enhancing eyelash growth. One of the common side effects of bimatoprost is permanent darkening of the irises, especially in patients with blue or light-colored eyes. This occurs due to increased melanin production in the iris. Option A) New-onset glaucoma is incorrect because bimatoprost is actually used to treat glaucoma, not cause it. Option C) Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe skin reaction and is not associated with bimatoprost use. Option D) Weight gain is not a known side effect of bimatoprost. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the side effects of medications they prescribe or recommend to patients. Understanding the potential adverse effects allows for informed decision-making and the ability to educate patients about what to expect. In this case, warning the patient about the risk of permanent darkening of the irises with bimatoprost is crucial to ensure they make an informed choice regarding its use.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Novahistine DM combines codeine (antitussive), phenylephrine (decongestant), and chlorpheniramine (antihistamine), causing sedation and impaired judgment. 'Do not make important decisions or operate machinery' is critical, as codeine's CNS depression, amplified by chlorpheniramine, risks accidents (correct answers: 3, 4, 5). Water aids swallowing but isn't key. Bedside storage risks overuse. Adherence is vital but secondary to safety. Choice D prioritizes preventing harm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Centrally acting antitussives, like opioids, are used to relieve severe cough (Option C) by suppressing the cough reflex in the central nervous system. Opioids act on the medullary cough center to reduce the urge to cough. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with a persistent, severe cough that is non-productive and causing discomfort. Option A, decreasing nasal congestion, is incorrect because opioids do not directly target nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is typically addressed by decongestants or antihistamines that work on nasal passages, not centrally acting antitussives. Option B, breaking down mucus, is also incorrect. Mucolytics are medications that help break down and thin mucus to make it easier to expel from the respiratory tract, but opioids do not have this property. Option D, relieving mild cough, is incorrect as well. Mild coughs can often be managed with non-opioid antitussives or expectorants that work peripherally to reduce cough reflex sensitivity or promote mucus clearance. In an educational context, understanding the specific actions and indications of different classes of cough medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Pharmacology knowledge helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about the selection of appropriate medications based on the patient's symptoms and needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Zidovudine, an antiretroviral, treats HIV but risks bone marrow suppression, causing anemia. Monitoring RBC count detects this, ensuring timely intervention (e.g., transfusion). Liver enzymes matter with other drugs. Potassium and glucose aren't primary concerns. RBC monitoring aligns with zidovudine's toxicity profile, critical in HIV where anemia impacts quality of life, making A the key value.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.