An increase in which serum lab value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect for a client at risk for coronary artery disease?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Prothrombin time (PT).
Creatine phosphokinase (CK)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL).
The Correct Answer is D
A. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Atorvastatin's primary effect is to decrease LDL cholesterol levels. A decrease in LDL levels would indicate the medication is working as intended, not an increase.
B. Prothrombin time (PT): PT is a measure of blood clotting, which is not directly affected by atorvastatin. This value is more relevant for monitoring anticoagulant therapy.
C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK): CK levels can be used to monitor for muscle damage or side effects related to statin use. An increase in CK levels would suggest muscle damage, not the effectiveness of the statin.
D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is a key target in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). While the primary goal of atorvastatin is to lower LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol (often termed "good" cholesterol) is also desirable as it can help reduce the risk of CAD. Therefore, an increase in HDL is a positive indicator that the medication is having a beneficial effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L), a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L): Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside that is known for its nephrotoxic potential. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN levels are indicative of impaired kidney function, which warrants further investigation and possible intervention. This finding is significant because it may reflect kidney damage or reduced renal clearance of the drug.
B. Reports a sore mouth and three episodes of diarrhea that began this morning: While these symptoms are important and could suggest a possible adverse effect or secondary infection, they are not as immediately concerning in the context of gentamicin therapy as the potential for kidney damage indicated by elevated creatinine and BUN levels.
C. White blood count of 9,000/mm³ (9 x 10^9/L) and an oral temperature of 98.2°F (36.7°C) two hours ago: These values are within normal ranges and do not suggest an immediate concern related to gentamicin toxicity.
D. Urinary output of 400 mL of clear, amber-colored urine in the past eight hours: While monitoring urinary output is important, this level of output does not necessarily indicate a problem in the context of gentamicin therapy compared to elevated creatinine and BUN levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Withhold the medication until the client’s breakfast tray is available on the unit: Withholding the medication until food is available is not necessary, as risedronate should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Food can interfere with the medication's effectiveness.
B. Consult with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats: This option is not suitable as risedronate should be taken on an empty stomach, and delaying the dose until after eating would compromise the medication's effectiveness.
C. Instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication: Risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. Milk or other beverages can interfere with the absorption of risedronate.
D. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to bring the client a glass of low-fat milk: This is not appropriate, as risedronate should be taken with water only to ensure proper absorption. Milk can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
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