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."

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Flush the IV line with normal saline before and after administering phenytoin: Phenytoin is incompatible with dextrose and many other IV solutions. Normal saline is the only recommended diluent, and flushing before and after administration prevents precipitation and line blockage, ensuring safe delivery of the drug.
B. Flush the IV line with dextrose solution before and after giving phenytoin: Phenytoin precipitates in dextrose-containing solutions, which can result in crystal formation, risking embolism or phlebitis. Using dextrose can lead to serious IV complications and must be avoided.
C. Mix phenytoin with lactated Ringer's solution for infusion: Phenytoin is not compatible with lactated Ringer’s due to the calcium content, which increases the risk of precipitation. It should only be diluted in normal saline to maintain solution stability and patient safety.
D. Administer phenytoin without flushing the IV line: Skipping the flush increases the risk of drug incompatibility, precipitation, and reduced drug delivery. Flushing with normal saline is essential to maintain IV line patency and prevent complications.

A. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot." B. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming." C. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level." D. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot.": Oral anticoagulants like warfarin also do not dissolve existing clots. They work similarly to heparin by preventing the formation of new clots and allowing the body’s natural fibrinolytic mechanisms to break down existing ones over time.
B. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming.": This is the most accurate explanation. Heparin is an anticoagulant that enhances antithrombin activity, inhibiting clotting factors and preventing clot propagation, but it does not actively lyse or dissolve clots.
C. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level.": Heparin given intravenously has a rapid onset of action, often within minutes. Therapeutic levels are typically reached quickly with continuous infusion, so this statement is inaccurate.
D. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question.": While pharmacists are valuable for drug-related questions, nurses are expected to provide basic patient education regarding medications, including mechanism of action, especially during bedside care.

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A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed Atorvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the patient teaching?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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