A patient who has received a prescription for orlistat (Xenical) ...

[j.rubin]

A patient who has received a prescription for orlistat (Xenical) for weight loss asks the nurse how the drug works. The nurse will tell the patient that orlistat works by:
 
  a. altering how the body stores energy.
  b. reducing the body's absorption of fats.
  c. increasing the body's metabolic rate.
  d. suppressing the appetite.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a patient who is about to begin drug therapy with orlistat (Xenical). The patient, whose BMI is 28, has hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. Dark urine and light-colored stools are expected side effects with this drug.
  b. I should stop taking this drug once my blood pressure and serum glucose have stabilized.
  c. I will need to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins every day.
  d. If I have fatty or oily stools or fecal incontinence I should stop taking this drug.

[mcarey591]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Orlistat works by altering the absorption of fats. It does not affect how energy is stored, the metabolic rate, or the appetite.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Because orlistat works by reducing fat absorption, fat-soluble vitamins are not absorbed as well. Patients should take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, and K. The increased fat is lost in stools, resulting in fatty, oily stools and fecal incontinence. These are expected side effects but are not dangerous and can be managed with bulk-forming laxatives. Orlistat is used for long-term weight loss and should be given up to 2 years to sustain weight loss. Dark urine and light-colored stools indicate possible liver damage and the need to discontinue the drug until liver damage has been ruled out.

[j.rubin]

TY

[mcarey591]

You're welcome