A nurse is caring for a client with a new order for acetaminophen.
What of the following options is a therapeutic use of this medication?

Choice A rationale

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that is commonly used to manage hypertension and control heart rate. It works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which decreases heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice B rationale

Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, not primarily to manage hypertension.

Choice C rationale

Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat blood clots, and it is not indicated for the management of hypertension.

Choice D rationale

Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication used to manage high cholesterol levels and is not used to manage hypertension.

Choice A rationale

Brand name medications are typically more expensive because they include costs for research, development, marketing, and patents. They are sold under a trademarked brand name by a specific company, which allows them to charge higher prices.

Choice B rationale

This is incorrect as brand name medications are not less effective than generic medications. Both are required to have the same active ingredients and efficacy by regulatory agencies.

Choice C rationale

While the active ingredients must be the same, the formulation (inactive ingredients) of brand and generic medications can differ, which may affect the drug's characteristics, such as absorption rate.

Choice D rationale

Brand name drugs are usually less prescribed than generics because generics are cheaper and preferred for cost-saving measures. However, in some cases, a brand name might be more widely recognized and prescribed initially.