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).

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Limit the intake of foods high in potassium: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it can cause potassium levels to rise. Therefore, the nurse should advise the patient to limit the intake of potassium-rich foods to avoid hyperkalemia.
B. Cover your skin before going outside: This instruction is not specifically related to the use of spironolactone. It is more relevant for medications that cause photosensitivity or skin reactions.
C. Replace salt with a salt substitute: Many salt substitutes contain potassium, which could increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taking spironolactone. Therefore, replacing salt with a potassium-containing salt substitute is not recommended.
D. Monitor skin for excessive bruising: While monitoring for bruising is important, it is more relevant for anticoagulants or medications that affect blood clotting, not specifically for spironolactone.

A. Fingerstick glucose. B. Stool color and character. C. Serum hepatic enzymes. D. Serum electrolytes and ammonia.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Fingerstick glucose: While important in managing diabetes or hypoglycemia, it is not directly related to evaluating the effectiveness of lactulose in treating hepatic encephalopathy.
B. Stool color and character: Lactulose acts as a laxative, and its effectiveness can affect stool characteristics. However, stool color and character are less direct indicators of therapeutic response compared to serum ammonia levels.
C. Serum hepatic enzymes: While liver enzyme levels can provide information about liver function, they do not directly measure the effectiveness of lactulose in managing hepatic encephalopathy. Serum ammonia levels are more specific for this purpose.
D. Serum electrolytes and ammonia: Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing blood ammonia levels. Monitoring serum ammonia levels provides direct feedback on the effectiveness of the medication in treating hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, serum electrolytes should be monitored because lactulose can lead to electrolyte imbalances due to its laxative effect.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with heart failure (HF) develops hyperaldosteronism and spironolactone is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in the patient's plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the best information to evaluate the client's therapeutic response to the medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Prior to administration of the initial dose of the gastrointestinal (GI) agent misoprostol, which information should the nurse obtain from the patient?

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