A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is taking atorvastatin. Which of the following laboratory values indicates the treatment has been effective?
Urine specific gravity 1.020.
BUN 15 mg/dL.
LDL 120 mg/dL.
Blood glucose 90 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
Atorvastatin is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called statins. It is used to lower blood levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). The treatment has been effective if the LDL level is reduced, as high LDL levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. A normal range for LDL is less than 100 mg/dL.
Choice A is wrong because urine specific gravity is a measure of how concentrated the urine is, not how much cholesterol is in the blood. A normal range for urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.0304.
Choice B is wrong because BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is a measure of how well the kidneys are working, not how much cholesterol is in the blood. A normal range for BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Choice D is wrong because blood glucose is a measure of how much sugar is in the blood, not how much cholesterol is in the blood.
A normal range for blood glucose is 70 to 100 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Drowsiness is a very common adverse effect of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. Paroxetine can cause somnolence (sleepiness) in up to 22% of patients who take it. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for this effect and avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Choice A is wrong because tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is not a common adverse effect of paroxetine.
It may occur rarely in some patients, but it is not a typical symptom of SSRI use.
Choice B is wrong because alopecia (hair loss) is not a common adverse effect of paroxetine.
It may occur rarely in some patients, but it is not a typical symptom of SSRI use.
Choice C is wrong because peripheral edema (swelling of the limbs) is not a common adverse effect of paroxetine.
It may occur rarely in some patients, but it is not a typical symptom of SSRI use.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because swelling of the feet can be a sign of lithium toxicity, which is a serious condition that can occur when the level of lithium in the blood is too high. Lithium toxicity can cause confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and kidney problems. Therefore, the client should report any signs of lithium toxicity to their provider as soon as possible.
Choice A is wrong because limiting foods containing tyramine is not necessary for clients taking lithium. Tyramine is a substance found in some foods that can interact with certain antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but not with lithium.
Choice B is wrong because decreasing the daily sodium intake can actually increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Sodium helps to regulate the amount of lithium in the body, so if the sodium level is low, the lithium level can rise too high.
The client should maintain a normal sodium intake and drink enough fluids while taking lithium.
Choice C is wrong because taking this medication 2 hours before a meal is not required for clients taking lithium.
Lithium can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day to keep a steady level in the blood.
Taking lithium 2 hours before a meal may cause stomach upset, which is a common side effect of lithium.
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