The nurse is reviewing the client's laboratory values. Which serum laboratory value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect for a client at risk for coronary artery disease?
High density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low density lipoprotein (LDL).
Creatine phosphokinase (CK).
Prothrombin time (PT).
The Correct Answer is B
A. High density lipoprotein (HDL):
HDL levels are important for cardiovascular health as higher levels are associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. However, atorvastatin primarily targets LDL levels. While increasing HDL is beneficial, it is not the primary measure of atorvastatin's effectiveness.
B. Low density lipoprotein (LDL):
Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. A decrease in LDL levels indicates that the medication is having its desired effect, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK):
CK levels are monitored to assess muscle damage or side effects related to statin use, such as rhabdomyolysis. While important for safety monitoring, changes in CK levels do not directly reflect the effectiveness of atorvastatin in managing cholesterol levels.
D. Prothrombin time (PT):
PT is used to evaluate blood clotting ability and is not directly related to the effectiveness of atorvastatin. It is more relevant for monitoring anticoagulant therapy rather than statin therapy for cholesterol management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. High density lipoprotein (HDL):
HDL levels are important for cardiovascular health as higher levels are associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. However, atorvastatin primarily targets LDL levels. While increasing HDL is beneficial, it is not the primary measure of atorvastatin's effectiveness.
B. Low density lipoprotein (LDL):
Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. A decrease in LDL levels indicates that the medication is having its desired effect, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK):
CK levels are monitored to assess muscle damage or side effects related to statin use, such as rhabdomyolysis. While important for safety monitoring, changes in CK levels do not directly reflect the effectiveness of atorvastatin in managing cholesterol levels.
D. Prothrombin time (PT):
PT is used to evaluate blood clotting ability and is not directly related to the effectiveness of atorvastatin. It is more relevant for monitoring anticoagulant therapy rather than statin therapy for cholesterol management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Check for correct placement of the patch behind the client's ear: While ensuring correct placement is important for the effectiveness of transdermal patches, the scopolamine patch is primarily used for motion sickness and nausea, not for pain relief. Checking placement does not address the client's pain, which is not the intended use of the medication.
B) Explain that the medication is not given to prevent pain: Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and motion sickness, not to manage pain. The client’s pain is unrelated to the patch’s intended purpose. Educating the client about the medication's purpose and recommending appropriate pain management would address the issue effectively.
C) Advise the client that the effects of the medication have worn off: The scopolamine patch's effects for nausea or motion sickness would not typically wear off within four hours. The medication was not intended to address pain, so advising the client about its effectiveness for nausea rather than pain would be more appropriate.
D) Offer to apply a new transdermal patch to relieve the pain: Applying a new patch would not be effective for pain management, as scopolamine is not designed for pain relief. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the client's pain with suitable analgesics and explaining the purpose of the scopolamine patch.
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.