A patient is prescribed Cholestyramine to lower their cholesterol levels. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the patient regarding the timing of taking this medication?
Take Cholestyramine with other medications to improve absorption
Take the powder for oral suspension in dry form
Take after meals
Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking Cholestyramine
The Correct Answer is D
A. Take Cholestyramine with other medications to improve absorption: Cholestyramine binds bile acids in the intestine but can also bind and interfere with the absorption of other oral medications. Taking it with other drugs reduces their effectiveness and is not recommended.
B. Take the powder for oral suspension in dry form: Cholestyramine powder should never be taken dry as it can irritate the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. It should always be mixed with water or a non-carbonated beverage before ingestion to prevent choking or esophageal irritation.
C. Take after meals: While taking it after meals can enhance its bile acid-binding effect, this alone does not prevent drug interactions. Timing with other medications is the more critical issue to address when instructing patients.
D. Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking Cholestyramine: This instruction is essential to avoid interference with the absorption of other oral medications. Cholestyramine can bind many drugs, so proper spacing is required to ensure therapeutic efficacy of concurrent medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "All antipsychotic drugs carry an equal risk of causing movement-related side effects.": First-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol are more likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms due to their potent dopamine D2 receptor blockade. Second-generation antipsychotics carry a lower risk, making this statement inconsistent with clinical evidence.
B. "These side effects happen because this drug blocks dopamine in certain parts of my brain.": Extrapyramidal symptoms are primarily due to dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway, which regulates motor control. Interference in this region leads to tremors, rigidity, and other movement disorders.
C. "Taking other drugs with my Haloperidol can increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.": Concurrent use of medications that also affect dopamine pathways or have sedative effects can increase the likelihood of developing EPS. Drug interactions are a significant factor in overall risk.
D. "Tardive dyskinesia occurs with prolonged use of an antipsychotic drug.": Long-term use of dopamine-blocking agents, especially at high doses, can lead to tardive dyskinesia. This condition involves involuntary movements and may be irreversible, particularly in older adults.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cushing's syndrome: Prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Common features include weight gain (especially central), mood changes such as anxiety or irritability, insomnia, and physical changes like hirsutism (increased facial hair), moon face, and truncal obesity due to chronic hypercortisolism.
B. Adrenal insufficiency: This condition typically results from abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroids, leading to fatigue, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances. It does not cause the excess cortisol-related symptoms described in this patient’s presentation.
C. Diabetes mellitus: While corticosteroids can raise blood glucose levels and increase the risk for diabetes, the described symptoms—particularly the weight distribution and hirsutism—are more indicative of Cushing’s syndrome than diabetes.
D. Dystonia: Dystonia involves involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It is not associated with the metabolic and hormonal effects caused by long-term corticosteroid use.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.