Author Question: Lovastatin (Mevacor) is prescribed for a patient for the first time. The nurse should provide the ... (Read 158 times)

lak · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Lovastatin (Mevacor) is prescribed for a patient for the first time. The nurse should provide the patient with which instruction?

a. Take lovastatin with your evening meal.
b. Take this medicine before breakfast.
c. You may take lovastatin without regard to meals.
d. Take this medicine on an empty stomach.

Question 2

A nurse is instructing a patient receiving a cholesterol-lowering agent. Which information should the nurse include in the patient education?

a. This medication will replace other interventions you have been trying.
b. It is important for you to double your dose if you miss one to maintain therapeutic blood levels.
c. Stop taking the medication if you experience constipation.
d. You should continue your exercise program to increase your HDL serum levels.

samiel-sayed · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Patients should be instructed to take lovastatin with the evening meal. Statins should be taken with the evening meal, not before breakfast. Statins should not be administered without regard to meals and should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Regular exercise can reduce LDL cholesterol and elevate high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The patient should consider the cholesterol-lowering drug an adjunct to a proper diet and exercise. Drug therapy cannot replace other important interventions, such as diet and exercise. The patient should never be instructed to double the dose. Constipation is a side effect of most cholesterol-lowering agents. The patient should be encouraged to eat a high-fiber diet and increase fluids if not contraindicated.