Andrew Jamison is a 47-year-old construction worker with a long history of alcohol abuse. Recently he has been experiencing fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. A visit to his physician and laboratory testing confirmed a diagnosis of cirrhosis. He is 5'10" tall and currently weighs 145 pounds.

-To improve Mr. Jamison's appetite, his physician may prescribe _____.

Question

Andrew Jamison is a 47-year-old construction worker with a long history of alcohol abuse. Recently he has been experiencing fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. A visit to his physician and laboratory testing confirmed a diagnosis of cirrhosis. He is 5'10" tall and currently weighs 145 pounds.
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-To improve Mr. Jamison's appetite, his physician may prescribe _____.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestin that has been shown to stimulate appetite and increase weight gain in patients with cachexia (loss of muscle and fat mass) due to chronic diseases such as AIDS and cancer. It has also been used in patients with cirrhosis to improve appetite and nutritional status. Spironolactone is a diuretic that is commonly used in patients with cirrhosis to reduce fluid retention, but it would not have an effect on appetite. Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and cognitive impairment due to liver disease), but it would not improve appetite. Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver), but it would not affect appetite. Lamivudine is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B, but it would not improve appetite in patients with cirrhosis.

Andrew Jamison Is a 47-Year-Old Construction Worker with a Long