A client is going to start taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) to help ...

[mydiamond]

A client is going to start taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) to help decrease cholesterol. The nurse is providing teaching to the client, and should stress the importance of:
 
  1. Reporting unusual bleeding to the physician.
  2. Reporting dizziness to the physician.
  3. Drinking ample amounts of fluid when taking the medication.
  4. Starting an exercise program and a low-cholesterol diet.

Question 2

The nurse is instructing a client about quinidine, which has been prescribed for supraventricular tachycardia. What should the nurse include in this teaching?
 
  1. Take an extra dose if a dose is missed.
  2. Skip a dose if the heart rate is below 100.
  3. Take the medication exactly as ordered.
  4. Ignore symptoms like dizziness, as this is an expected side effect.

[al]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4

1. Unusual bleeding can be seen with fibric acid agents.
2. Dizziness can occur when taking nicotinic acid.
3. Bile acid sequestrants can cause constipation, so the client is instructed to increase fluids.
4. Along with medication, the client should be instructed to begin an exercise program and a low-cholesterol diet to help control LDL cholesterol.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. The client is taught never to make up a lost dose. The physician should be notified if a dose is missed.
2. The client should be instructed on how to monitor the heart rate, but is not instructed to skip doses. The client should be instructed to notify the physician if the heart rate is irregular.
3. The client must take the medication exactly as ordered.
4. Dizziness is not an expected side effect of these medications, and could indicate that the dysrhythmia has returned.

[mydiamond]

Excellent

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