A patient who is prescribed niacin (Niacor) reports experiencing ...

[folubunmi]

A patient who is prescribed niacin (Niacor) reports experiencing flushing and hot flashes. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
  b. Give the niacin at least 1 hour before meals.
  c. Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect.
  d. Administer the ordered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 30 minutes before the niacin.

Question 2

A drug for narcolepsy is prescribed for a 70-year-old nursing home patient. What adjustment in drug administration does the nurse expect to make for this patient?
 
  a. Ensuring that the drug is taken with a meal to prevent nausea.
  b. Giving the drug earlier in the day to prevent nighttime incontinence.
  c. Giving a lower-than-normal dose to avoid changes in thinking patterns.
  d. Crushing the capsule and mixing it with gelatin to make swallowing easier.

[mcinincha279]

Answer to Question 1

D
Flushing (redness) and hot flashes can be reduced by the use of aspirin or an NSAID 30 minutes before the niacin, or by giving the niacin during or after meals. While reassuring the patient that flushing and hot flashes are expected side effects is correct, it does not address the patient's dis-comfort.

Answer to Question 2

C
Older adults are more sensitive to drugs for narcolepsy and often have greater-than-expected in-tended responses, as well as more severe side effects, including changes in thinking patterns and problems with movement. Prescribed doses are usually lower than normal, at least when first prescribed, until it is known how the patient responds to the drug.

[folubunmi]

TY

[mcinincha279]

You're welcome