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A physical therapist instructs a patient with osteoporosis in a generalized strengthening program. Based on the patient’s diagnosis, which of the following medications would MOST likely be included in the patient’s medication list? 

1. Esomeprazole (Nexium)
2. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
3. Metformin (Riomet)
4. Ibandronate (Boniva)

Transcript

Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

Ready? Let’s go! 

A physical therapist instructs a patient with osteoporosis in a generalized strengthening program. Based on the patient’s diagnosis, which of the following medications would MOST likely be included in the patient’s medication list? 

1. Esomeprazole (Nexium)
2. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
3. Metformin (Riomet)
4. Ibandronate (Boniva)

Patients with osteoporosis are often prescribed bone mineral regulating agents. These medications attempt to enhance and maximize bone mass, along with preventing bone loss or decreasing the rate of bone resorption. Typical agents can include estrogens, calcium and vitamin D, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and anabolic agents.

Let’s explore each of the options:

Option 1 - Esomeprazole (Nexium)
Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a proton pump inhibitor agent that is used in the treatment of dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Proton pump inhibitor agents inhibit the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme, blocking secretions of acid from gastric cells into the stomach. These agents prevent erosive esophagitis and may also possess antibacterial effects against H. pylori.

Option 2 - Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) is an antimetabolite medication that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis, and certain cancers. 

This medication can stop or at least slow the growth of cancer cells and helps to suppress the immune system.

Option 3 - Metformin (Riomet)
Metformin (Riomet) is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

This medication decreases glucose production in the liver and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Option 4 - Ibandronate (Boniva)
Ibandronate (Boniva) is a bisphosphonate medication that is commonly used to treat patients with osteoporosis. 

Other common bisphosphonate medications include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), and zoledronic acid (Reclast).

The correct answer is Option 4

Let’s explore the all student data:
12% of students selected Option 1, Esomeprazole (Nexium)
26% of students selected Option 2, Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
13% of students selected Option 3, Metformin (Riomet)
49% of students selected Option 4, Ibandronate (Boniva), the correct response

System Classification
This question is an Other Systems question which represents approximately 21% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is a Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Prognosis question which represents approximately 33% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 1 question since the question requires students to possess basic foundational academic knowledge. Remediation of Level 1 questions occurs through academic review of entry-level content using textbooks, review books, Basecamp, and flash cards.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!