A client with chronic back pain informs the nurse he has been receiving therapeutic touch in addition to his medications. What is the nurse's best classification of this client's treatment?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Therapeutic touch alongside medications is complementary therapy, integrating non-drug methods with conventional treatment to enhance care. Pharmacotherapy is drug-only. Drug-absence therapy isn't a term. Biologic therapy uses biological agents, not touch. Complementary therapy fits, reflecting a holistic approach, common in pain management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is option B: "Bring him to the clinic for assessment today." This option is the best choice because the patient's change in mood and feeling disconnected could be indicative of a serious reaction to the sertraline medication. It is crucial to assess the patient in person to evaluate their mental and emotional state, as well as any potential side effects or complications from the medication. Option A is incorrect because diphenhydramine is not a recommended treatment for mood changes associated with sertraline. It is essential to address the underlying issue rather than attempting to mask symptoms with another medication. Option C is incorrect because abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may not address the root cause of the patient's mood changes. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to the medication regimen. Option D is incorrect because doubling the dose of sertraline without proper evaluation can be dangerous and may exacerbate the patient's symptoms. Adjusting medication dosages should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring of patients on psychotropic medications for mental health conditions. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to respond promptly to reports of concerning symptoms and to prioritize patient safety and well-being in medication management. Regular assessment and communication with patients and their families are vital aspects of providing quality care in pharmacology and mental health practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Caffeine's stimulant effect in coffee relies on adenosine receptor blockade . By inhibiting adenosine's sedative action, caffeine increases alertness, fitting her routine. Option , decreasing cAMP, contradicts caffeine's phosphodiesterase inhibition, which raises cAMP. Option , decreasing cGMP, is unrelated. Option , stimulating phosphodiesterase, opposes caffeine's action. Option (E), calcium transport, isn't primary. Adenosine antagonism drives caffeine's wakefulness, supporting her daily use to combat fatigue during study.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Histidine. Histamine is derived from histidine through the decarboxylation process. Histidine is an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor for histamine synthesis in the body. When histidine undergoes decarboxylation, it forms histamine, which plays a crucial role in the immune response and allergic reactions. Option A) L-arginine is not the correct choice as it is not the precursor for histamine synthesis. L-arginine is involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide and urea in the body. Option B) Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant and is not involved in histamine synthesis. Heparin is synthesized in mast cells and acts as a blood thinner. Option D) Lysine is an essential amino acid but is not the precursor for histamine synthesis. Lysine plays a role in protein synthesis and is not directly involved in histamine production. Understanding the biochemical pathways involved in histamine synthesis is crucial for pharmacology students as it helps in comprehending how antihistamines work and their mechanisms of action in treating allergic reactions. Knowing the relationship between histidine and histamine can aid in better understanding the treatment of allergic conditions and the rationale behind using antihistamines.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) β-Blockers. When a patient presents with myocardial infarction after cocaine use, β-Blockers are contraindicated due to their potential to worsen coronary vasoconstriction caused by cocaine. Cocaine use can lead to unopposed α-adrenergic stimulation, and β-Blockers can exacerbate this effect, leading to severe hypertension, coronary artery vasospasm, and potential worsening of the myocardial infarction. A) ACE inhibitors and B) Aspirin are commonly used in the treatment of myocardial infarction and are not contraindicated in this case. ACE inhibitors help reduce the workload on the heart and prevent further damage, while aspirin is essential in preventing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. D) Calcium channel blockers are also contraindicated in this scenario as they can worsen coronary vasoconstriction and cardiovascular effects induced by cocaine. Educationally, this case highlights the importance of considering the unique contraindications and interactions of medications in specific clinical situations. Understanding the pharmacological effects of drugs in different contexts is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care, especially in emergency situations like myocardial infarction precipitated by cocaine use.