Which of the following is a potential side effect of corticosteroid therapy in the long term?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Osteoporosis. Corticosteroid therapy can lead to decreased bone density over time, resulting in osteoporosis. This occurs due to the suppression of bone formation and increased bone resorption. Hypotension (choice A) is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy; rather, it can cause fluid retention and hypertension. Tachycardia (choice C) is also not a typical side effect of corticosteroids; instead, they may cause bradycardia. Hyperkalemia (choice D) is not directly associated with corticosteroid therapy; in fact, corticosteroids can lead to hypokalemia due to potassium loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. Rosuvastatin is a statin medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, rosuvastatin helps lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because rosuvastatin does not act by inhibiting cholesterol reabsorption in the intestines, increasing HDL cholesterol levels, or increasing the excretion of cholesterol in the bile.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Statin drugs are known to cause myopathy, which can manifest as muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. This adverse effect is due to statins affecting muscle cells and potentially leading to muscle inflammation or damage. Headache (B), weight gain (C), and coughing (D) are not common adverse effects associated with statin drugs. Muscle pain is a well-documented and frequently reported side effect, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Constipation. Opioids commonly cause constipation due to their effect on the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down gut motility. This is a well-documented adverse effect of opioid medications. Hypotension (B), weight loss (C), and tachycardia (D) are not common adverse effects of opioids. Hypotension is more associated with vasodilator medications, weight loss is not typically seen with opioids, and tachycardia is more likely to be caused by stimulant medications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inhibiting COX-2 enzymes selectively. Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means it specifically targets the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain without affecting COX-1 enzymes that protect the stomach lining. This selective inhibition reduces inflammation and pain while minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects associated with non-selective NSAIDs. Choice B is incorrect because celecoxib does not inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Choice C is incorrect because celecoxib does not increase prostaglandin synthesis; it actually reduces it by inhibiting COX-2. Choice D is incorrect because celecoxib does not block sodium channels in peripheral nerves; its mechanism of action is through selective COX-2 inhibition.