A patient will be taking niacin as part of antilipemic therapy. What is the best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Taking niacin with a full glass of water on an empty stomach can help reduce the risk of flushing or pruritus, which are common side effects of niacin. Additionally, starting with a low initial dose and increasing gradually as tolerated can also help minimize these side effects. Niacin can cause vasodilation, leading to flushing and itching, so taking it with water and on an empty stomach can help alleviate these symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Valproate belongs to the category class of anticonvulsants, which are medications primarily used to treat seizures and epilepsy. Valproate is also used as a treatment for vascular headaches, such as migraines. It is not categorized as an anticoagulant, antianxiety medication (such as benzodiazepines), or a mood stabilizer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A month after receiving a blood transfusion, the development of a fever in an immunocompromised patient can be indicative of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is a condition where the donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues, manifesting as fever, rash, liver dysfunction, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It typically occurs a few weeks to several months after a blood transfusion, especially in immunocompromised individuals. An allergic response to medication or myelosuppression would typically present earlier after the transfusion, while nothing related to the blood transfusion does not explain the fever in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the body's ability to use vitamin K to form clotting factors. In cases of excessive anticoagulation or bleeding due to Warfarin, the antidote is vitamin K. Vitamin K helps the body produce clotting factors, thereby reversing the effects of Warfarin and promoting the blood to clot normally. Other medications like Narcan, Glucagon, and Vitamin B do not have a direct antidote effect for Warfarin toxicity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Omeprazole is classified as an anti-ulcer agent. It belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole is commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is not a laxative, anti-heartburn medication, or antianemic drug.