Answer:
Option D, joint pain
Explanation:
Alendronate (brand name Fosamax) is a bone resorption inhibitor in the bisphosphonate pharmacological class prescribed to patients with osteoporosis because the medication inhibits osteoclast activity to slow the progression of the condition.
Like most, if not all, medications, alendronate is not without a few side effects associated with its use. Musculoskeletal pain, esophageal cancer, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and atrial fibrillation (a type of dysrhythmia involving the upper chambers of the heart above the ventricles). Current studies suggest that A-fib is not a high-risk adverse event associated with alendronate and other bisphosphonates. However, it is thought that the hypocalcemia that can result from inhibited bone resorption may be associated with A-fib and other arrhythmias.
The rare musculoskeletal pain includes the bones, the joints, and the muscles, possibly also associated with hypocalcemia. Because of this, the nurse should recognize joint pain as an adverse effect, option D.
