While a patient is receiving a statin, the nurse knows to monitor the patient closely for the development of which problem?

Pulmonary problems

Neutropenia

Liver dysfunction

Vitamin C deficiency

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Pulmonary problems are not a primary concern with statins. Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, lowering cholesterol, with main side effects being myopathy and hepatotoxicity. Pulmonary issues are more associated with drugs like amiodarone, not statins, which primarily affect liver and muscle tissue.

Choice B reason: Neutropenia is not a common side effect of statins. These drugs lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, with risks of myopathy or liver dysfunction. Hematologic effects like neutropenia are more linked to chemotherapy or immunosuppressants, not statins, making this an incorrect monitoring priority.

Choice C reason: Liver dysfunction is a critical side effect to monitor with statins. They can elevate liver enzymes (ALT, AST) by stressing hepatocytes during cholesterol synthesis inhibition. Regular liver function tests are needed to detect hepatotoxicity early, preventing severe liver damage in patients on long-term statin therapy.

Choice D reason: Vitamin C deficiency is not associated with statins. Statins affect cholesterol synthesis, not vitamin metabolism. Deficiency would result from dietary issues, not statin use. Monitoring for myopathy or liver dysfunction is more relevant due to statins’ hepatic metabolism and muscle effects.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Theophylline, a methylxanthine, causes palpitations by increasing cyclic AMP through phosphodiesterase inhibition, stimulating cardiac beta-1 receptors. This can lead to tachycardia or arrhythmias, especially at high levels. Monitoring heart rate is critical due to theophylline’s narrow therapeutic index and potential for cardiovascular toxicity.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea is not a primary adverse effect of theophylline. Gastrointestinal upset, like nausea or vomiting, may occur due to gastric irritation, but diarrhea is less common. Theophylline’s main toxicities involve the cardiovascular and nervous systems, making palpitations a more significant concern.

Choice C reason: Drowsiness is not associated with theophylline, which acts as a CNS stimulant, potentially causing nervousness or insomnia. Its phosphodiesterase inhibition increases cyclic AMP, enhancing alertness, not sedation. Drowsiness is more linked to antihistamines, making this incorrect for theophylline monitoring.

Choice D reason: Bradycardia is not a typical theophylline effect. Theophylline stimulates the heart via beta-1 receptor activation, causing tachycardia or palpitations. Bradycardia may occur with other drugs, like beta-blockers, but theophylline’s sympathomimetic effects make palpitations a more relevant adverse effect to monitor.

A. Take this medication before bedtime to minimize side effects. B. Rinse your mouth after each use. C. Stop taking the medication if you gain 5 or more pounds in 1 week. D. Use this medication on an empty stomach to improve its effectiveness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Inhaled corticosteroids, such as fluticasone, are not specifically timed for bedtime to minimize side effects. Their primary effect is local anti-inflammatory action in the airways, with minimal systemic absorption. Timing does not significantly reduce side effects like oral thrush, which is managed by rinsing the mouth. Administration is typically twice daily for consistent asthma control, independent of bedtime.

Choice B reason: Rinsing the mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids is essential to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush). Residual corticosteroid in the oral cavity can disrupt the local microbial balance, promoting fungal overgrowth. Rinsing removes excess drug, reducing infection risk while maintaining the drug’s anti-inflammatory effect in the airways, ensuring safe and effective therapy.

Choice C reason: Weight gain of 5 pounds in a week is not a typical side effect of inhaled corticosteroids due to their minimal systemic absorption. Stopping the medication abruptly could exacerbate asthma symptoms. Significant weight gain is more associated with systemic corticosteroids, which affect metabolism and fluid retention, unlike inhaled formulations.

Choice D reason: Inhaled corticosteroids do not require an empty stomach for effectiveness, as they are delivered directly to the lungs via inhalation. Their local action on airway inflammation is independent of gastrointestinal absorption. Food intake does not influence their pharmacokinetics or therapeutic efficacy, making this instruction irrelevant for inhaled corticosteroid use.

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While a patient is receiving a statin, the nurse knows to monitor the patient closely for the development of which problem?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is taking theophylline. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is educating a client about an inhaled corticosteroid. What statement will the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

After receiving a nebulizer treatment with albuterol, the patient states she is feeling slightly jittery and wonders if she is having a bad reaction. What is the nurse’s best response?

Which of the following is a first-line drug for the treatment of active tuberculosis?

Which adverse effect can result if tetracycline is administered to children younger than 8 years of age?

If a patient is taking fluconazole with warfarin, the nurse will monitor for which possible interaction?

The nurse is providing instructions to a patient who has a new prescription for a corticosteroid metered-dose inhaler. Which statement by the patient indicates that further instruction is needed? (Select all that apply)

Simvastatin has been prescribed for a patient, and the nurse is providing instructions to the patient about the medication. Which instructions will the nurse include? (Select all that apply)

A patient on a heparin infusion has an aPTT of 90 and is showing signs of excessive bleeding. What prescription will the nurse anticipate administering?

The nurse is preparing to administer morning medications to a patient who has been newly diagnosed with tuberculosis. The patient asks, "Why do I have to take so many different drugs?" Which response by the nurse is correct?