Mandy, a patient, calls the clinic today because he is taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) to treat his high cholesterol and is having pain in both of his legs. You instruct him to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, with the patient experiencing leg pain while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, it is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being. Leg pain can be a sign of a rare but serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potentially affect kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately discontinue the medication (atorvastatin) and have the patient come in to the clinic to be seen today for further evaluation and management. This will allow healthcare providers to assess the severity of the leg pain, conduct necessary tests, and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the patient's health and safety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To evaluate the medical effectiveness of Metformin, it is essential to monitor serum glucose levels, as Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Monitoring serum electrolytes, ketones, blood pH, lactate, and pyruvate levels is also important because Metformin can potentially cause lactic acidosis, especially in patients with kidney or liver impairment. By assessing these parameters, healthcare providers can gauge the efficacy and safety of Metformin therapy. Checking for resolution of hypothyroidism and hormone normalization is not directly related to evaluating Metformin's effectiveness. Pain reduction and patient alertness are also not the primary indicators for assessing the medical effectiveness of Metformin in managing diabetes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The high alert nursing implication for Morphine is to assess the level of consciousness, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension as side effects. Monitoring the patient's vital signs and neurological status is crucial to detect any signs of overdose or adverse reactions promptly. Maintaining vigilant observation of these parameters can help prevent serious complications and ensure the safe administration of Morphine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The fundamental action of vaccines is prophylaxis, which means the prevention of disease. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before they cause infection or illness. By introducing a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen to the body, vaccines trigger an immune response and teach the immune system how to recognize and destroy the pathogen in the future. Through prophylaxis, vaccines help protect individuals from getting sick with certain diseases.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Peripheral mediators of pain can sensitize nociceptors and contribute to the perception of pain. Histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins are all examples of peripheral mediators that can induce pain. Amino acids, on the other hand, are not typically considered peripheral mediators of pain. While amino acids are important for many physiological processes in the body, they are not generally associated with the direct modulation of pain signaling pathways in the periphery.