A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed Atorvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
"You should see benefits within days of starting your atorvastatin."
"You may consume grapefruit juice freely while on this medication."
"Report any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness to your healthcare provider immediately."
"You can use an NSAID prior to taking your atorvastatin to prevent flushing."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "You should see benefits within days of starting your atorvastatin.": Atorvastatin works by lowering LDL cholesterol, but measurable improvements in lipid levels typically take several weeks. Immediate effects are unlikely, and full benefits depend on adherence and time.
B. "You may consume grapefruit juice freely while on this medication.": Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes in the liver and intestines, which can lead to increased levels of atorvastatin in the blood. This raises the risk of adverse effects, particularly muscle toxicity.
C. "Report any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness to your healthcare provider immediately.": These symptoms may indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious adverse effect of statins. Early reporting allows for prompt evaluation and potential discontinuation of the drug to prevent complications.
D. "You can use an NSAID prior to taking your atorvastatin to prevent flushing.": Flushing is not a common side effect of atorvastatin; this teaching applies to niacin, not statins. Using NSAIDs prophylactically for atorvastatin is unnecessary and not clinically indicated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. To decrease the cost of medication for the patient: While cost may be a consideration in long-term therapy, it is not the primary reason for tapering corticosteroids. The tapering process is necessary to protect the patient’s physiological balance, not driven by cost concerns.
B. To prevent the risk of acute adrenal insufficiency: Long-term prednisone use suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by hypotension, fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances. Gradual tapering allows the adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production.
C. To minimize the potential for drug interactions: Tapering does not reduce drug interactions. Such risks are managed through medication reconciliation and monitoring, not by adjusting steroid taper schedules.
D. To reduce the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis flare-up: While tapering may reduce flare risk, the primary concern is adrenal suppression. Flare prevention is managed with other disease-modifying agents rather than the tapering schedule alone.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "If my pain persists, I can safely increase the dose to 1500 mg every 4–6 hours.": This dose exceeds the maximum safe limit for acetaminophen. The recommended adult dose is no more than 1000 mg per dose and 4000 mg per day. Exceeding this can lead to serious hepatotoxicity, especially with prolonged use or preexisting liver conditions.
B. "I should use caution when taking acetaminophen with warfarin as it may affect my INR levels.": Acetaminophen can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, possibly elevating INR and increasing the risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring is recommended when both drugs are used concurrently.
C. "I need to be cautious when taking other medications that may contain acetaminophen.": Many over-the-counter medications, such as cold and flu remedies, also contain acetaminophen. Accidental overdose can occur if this is not considered when calculating total daily intake.
D. "I should contact my healthcare provider if I experience yellowing of the skin or eyes.": Jaundice may be a sign of liver damage or failure due to acetaminophen toxicity. Early recognition of this symptom is critical for preventing serious complications.
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