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 ["10"]
Explanation
Desired dose = 20 mg
Available concentration = 10 mg per 5 mL
- Calculate the concentration in mg/mL:
Concentration (mg/mL) = Available dose / Available volume
= 10 mg / 5 mL
= 2 mg/mL
Volume to administer = Desired dose / Available concentration
= 20 mg / 2 mg/mL
= 10 mL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increased risk of arrhythmias due to drug interactions: While both drugs affect cardiovascular function, the primary risk with concurrent use is not arrhythmias. Nitroglycerin and PDE-5 inhibitors mainly influence vascular tone, not cardiac electrical activity directly.
B. Potential for life-threatening hypotension due to excessive vasodilation: Both nitroglycerin and PDE-5 inhibitors are potent vasodilators. When used together, they can cause profound hypotension due to synergistic effects on the vascular system, which may lead to syncope, myocardial infarction, or even death.
C. Increased risk of severe headache due to overlapping side effects: Headache is a known side effect of both drugs due to vasodilation, but it is not the most dangerous interaction. While uncomfortable, headaches are not life-threatening compared to the risk of severe hypotension.
D. Decreased effectiveness of nitroglycerin in relieving angina: There is no evidence that PDE-5 inhibitors reduce the efficacy of nitroglycerin. The concern is not about reduced therapeutic benefit but rather the risk of severe, potentially fatal cardiovascular side effects.
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