The patient is receiving niacin. Although this drug is effective ...

[saliriagwu]

The patient is receiving niacin. Although this drug is effective in lowering lipid levels, the patient complains of uncomfortable flushing. What is the best education by the nurse?
 
  1. Be sure to take your niacin on an empty stomach as soon as you arise.
  2. Take one aspirin 30 minutes before you take your niacin.
  3. Take your niacin tablet with food and at least one full glass of water.
  4. It may be time to ask your doctor about switching to another drug.

Question 2

The patient is receiving a statin drug. Which assessment data would be a priority for the nurse to report to the physician?
 
  1. Bowel sounds markedly increased in all four quadrants of the abdomen
  2. Urine output of 200 mL/hour
  3. Urine output of 20 mL/hour
  4. Moderate elevation in liver function tests (LFTs)

[allisonblackmore]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Taking one aspirin tablet 30 minutes prior to niacin administration can reduce uncomfortable flushing in many patients because aspirin decreases the prostaglandin release that may cause a flushing effect. Taking niacin with food and water will not have any effect on flushing. Taking niacin on an empty stomach early in the morning will not have any effect on flushing. Switching to another drug is premature, because the niacin is effective.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but serious side effect of statin drugs. Contents of muscle cells spill into the systemic circulation causing potentially fatal, acute renal failure. Urine output of less than 30 mL/hour is considered renal failure. A urine output of 200 mL/hour does not indicate renal failure, which occurs with rhabdomyolysis. Elevation of liver function tests (LFTs) may occur during statin therapy, but this is not as high a priority as acute renal failure. Increased bowel sounds will be heard with diarrhea, but diarrhea is a common side effect of statin therapy and is not considered a serious side effect initially.

[saliriagwu]

TY

[allisonblackmore]

You're welcome