A patient has been receiving high doses of corticosteroids for an extended perioWhich side effect is most commonly seen in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Long-term corticosteroid therapy can lead to insulin resistance and increased blood glucose levels. This occurs due to the corticosteroids interfering with insulin action and glucose metabolism. Hyperglycemia is a common side effect that can potentially lead to diabetes. Bradycardia (B), diarrhea (C), and decreased appetite (D) are not commonly associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy. Bradycardia is more commonly associated with medications such as beta-blockers, while diarrhea and decreased appetite are not typical side effects of corticosteroids.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: absorbing nutrients. Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption of nutrients. They contain blood vessels and lacteals that absorb nutrients like glucose and amino acids. Villi do not secrete digestive enzymes (choice A), produce bile (choice C), or produce mucus (choice D). Digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas and bile is produced by the liver. Mucus is produced by goblet cells in the intestine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mucous neck cells. These cells secrete mucus to protect the stomach lining from the acidic environment and aid in lubrication. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid, chief cells secrete pepsinogen, and enteroendocrine cells secrete hormones like gastrin. Mucous neck cells are specifically responsible for mucus secretion in the stomach, making them the correct choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lipase. Lipase is responsible for the digestion of lipids because it breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Amylase (A) digests carbohydrates, Pepsin (B) digests proteins, and Trypsin (D) also digests proteins but in the small intestine. Lipase is the only enzyme that specifically targets lipids for digestion, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) is released in response to food intake to stimulate insulin release and inhibit glucagon secretion, leading to reduced blood glucose levels. Excessive GIP production from a tumor can result in excessive insulin release, causing hypoglycemia. This is why the correct answer is hyperglycemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the physiological effects of GIP.