The telephone triage nurse receives a call from a patient asking for a prescription for a narcotic to manage his surgical pain.
The nurse explains that narcotic prescriptions must be written and cannot be called in to the pharmacy.
The patient says, “Why are narcotics so difficult to get a prescription for?” What is the nurse’s best response?

Choice A rationale

While nicotine use is a health concern, it does not directly relate to the safety of atorvastatin (Lipitor). However, smoking cessation is advisable for overall cardiovascular health.

Choice B rationale

Caffeine intake is not a primary concern related to the safety of atorvastatin. Monitoring other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise is more relevant.

Choice C rationale

Herbal therapy may interact with atorvastatin, but the primary safety concern is alcohol intake, which can increase the risk of liver damage when combined with atorvastatin.

Choice D rationale

Alcohol consumption is a significant concern when taking atorvastatin, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Patients are advised to limit alcohol intake to prevent adverse effects. .

Choice A rationale

Analyzing data collected is part of the assessment phase, not the intervention phase.

Choice B rationale

Collecting a nursing history is part of the assessment phase of the nursing process, not the intervention phase.

Choice C rationale

Determining medication effectiveness is a critical aspect of the intervention phase, as it assesses the therapeutic outcomes of the administered drugs.

Choice D rationale

Documenting the medication is a key action in the intervention phase to ensure accurate and up-to-date patient records and safe administration.

Choice E rationale

Administering the medication is a direct intervention related to drug therapy and is part of the intervention phase.