A patient has begun taking an HMG-COA reductase inhibitor (statins). Which statement about this class of drugs made by the nurse during patient education would be inappropriate?

Choice A reason:
Fatty acids are essential components of many lipids, but they are not the primary building blocks of bile salts. Bile salts are synthesized from cholesterol. Fatty acids mainly function as energy storage molecules and are involved in forming complex lipids, like triglycerides and phospholipids. They don't participate directly in the production of bile salts, which are crucial for digesting and absorbing dietary fats.

Choice B reason:
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. It is not involved in the synthesis of bile salts. Bile salts are derived from cholesterol, not hormones. Testosterone’s primary function is related to endocrine activities rather than hepatic functions like bile salt synthesis.

Choice C reason:
Cholesterol is the correct answer. Bile salts are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. This process involves the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, which are then conjugated with amino acids to form bile salts. These bile salts are critical for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. The liver’s conversion of cholesterol to bile salts helps in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the body.

Choice D reason:
Lecithin is a type of phospholipid that plays a significant role in cell membrane structure and function. While it is an important component of bile, it is not the substance from which bile salts are synthesized. Lecithin helps in the emulsification of fats in the digestive process but is not a precursor to bile salts. The synthesis of bile salts specifically involves cholesterol.

Choice A reason:
Viruses are known for their unique replication process. They cannot replicate independently and must hijack a host cell's machinery to reproduce. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding viruses and is a key concept in virology. By replicating their genetic material inside host cells, viruses ensure their propagation and survival. This answer is correct because it highlights this crucial aspect of viral biology.
Choice B reason:
This choice is incorrect because viruses are not easily killed by antimicrobials. Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, are typically effective against bacteria, not viruses. Viruses have different structures and replication mechanisms that make them resistant to these treatments. Instead, antiviral medications are needed to target viruses specifically.
Choice C reason:
This choice is also incorrect. Viruses do contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. This genetic material is essential for their replication and propagation. Some viruses have DNA, while others have RNA, and this distinction is one of the primary ways viruses are classified.
Choice D reason:
Viruses are not capable of independent reproduction. They rely entirely on infecting host cells to replicate. This dependence on host cells distinguishes them from other microorganisms like bacteria, which can reproduce on their own. Thus, this choice is incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the nature of viruses.