Which of the following symptoms reported by a patient taking lovastatin should the nurse prioritize for immediate follow-up?

Choice A rationale

Using the inhaler only when the patient is really short of breath is not an incorrect use of the inhaler. However, it might indicate that the patient is not managing their COPD effectively, as rescue inhalers like albuterol are meant to be used for quick relief of acute symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Having a hard time inhaling and holding the breath after squeezing the inhaler might suggest that the patient is not using the inhaler correctly. However, the patient’s statement that they “do their best” suggests that they are aware of the correct technique and are trying to follow it.

Choice C rationale

Swallowing after squeezing the inhaler is a clear indication of incorrect use. The medication from the inhaler is meant to be inhaled into the lungs, not swallowed. Swallowing the medication would lead to less of it reaching the lungs, reducing its effectiveness. The wave of nausea the patient experiences could be a side effect of swallowing the medication.

Choice D rationale

Shaking the inhaler several times before starting is actually part of the correct technique for using many types of inhalers.

Choice A rationale

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Therefore, an HDL level of 85 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) is helpful in reducing cardiac risk.

Choice B rationale

Encouraging the client to reduce consumption of fatty foods is not necessary in this case as the client’s HDL level is already high, which is beneficial for heart health.

Choice C rationale

Asking the client about hereditary cardiac risk factors is not the most relevant action in this case. The client’s HDL level is already high, which is beneficial for heart health.

Choice D rationale

Explaining that the client may need medication therapy is not necessary in this case as the client’s HDL level is already high, which is beneficial for heart health.