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A 57-Year-Old Man Is Seen in the Office After an Episode

question 374

Multiple Choice

A 57-year-old man is seen in the office after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Hospital evaluation found no evidence of gallstones. The patient does not consume alcohol, but he does have a history of severe hypertriglyceridemia. He was treated with a fibrate medication in the past but could not tolerate it due to liver toxicity. He has no history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension. On examination, the patient has no abdominal tenderness. Laboratory studies show normal hepatic and pancreatic enzyme levels, but the patient again has a severely elevated triglyceride level. The physician prescribes the appropriate medications and explains that the patient is likely to experience skin flushing and warmth after taking the pills. Which of the following is the primary agent mediating these side effects?

Definitions:

Brain

The central organ of the nervous system, located in the skull, responsible for coordination and control of bodily functions, processing sensory information, and enabling cognition, emotions, and behavior.

Spinal Cord

A long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain down the length of the vertebral column, serving as the main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system.

Functions

The roles or activities specific entities are designed or expected to perform.

SQUID

SQUID stands for Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, and it's a highly sensitive magnetometer used to measure extremely subtle magnetic fields.