A 55-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer and painfu…

A 55-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer and painful vertebral lesions is started on zoledronic acid infusions to reduce skeletal-related events. His medications include leuprolide for androgen deprivation and calcium/vitamin D supplements. Two weeks after his first infusion, he reports perioral tingling and muscle cramps. On exam, he has a positive Chvostek’s sign. Which laboratory parameter is most important to monitor in this patient? 

A 66-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis con…

A 66-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis controlled on methotrexate presents with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Chest x-ray reveals a left lower lobe pneumonia. He is stable for outpatient management. Which action is most appropriate regarding his immunosuppressive therapy?