During discharge instruction, a nurse wants to assess a patient's ...

[maychende]

During discharge instruction, a nurse wants to assess a patient's understanding of treatment with cholestyramine (Questran). Which statement made by the patient best demonstrates a need for additional teaching?
 
  a. I will take cholestyramine (Questran) 1 hour before my other medications.
  b. I will increase fluids and fiber in my diet.
  c. I will weigh myself weekly.
  d. I will have my blood pressure checked weekly.

Question 2

A nurse is providing patient education about colesevelam (Welchol), a bile acid sequestrant. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates a need for further teaching?
 
  a. Colesevelam will reduce my levels of low-density lipoprotein.
  b. Colesevelam will augment my statin drug therapy.
  c. I will not have to worry about having as many drug interactions as I did when I took cholestyramine.
  d. I cannot take digoxin while on this medication.

[Danny Ewald]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Patients need not weigh themselves weekly when taking cholestyramine. Cholestyramine should be taken at least 1 hour before other medications. When taken with other medications, cholestyramine can inhibit the absorption of the other drugs. Constipation is the principal complaint with cholestyramine. It can be minimized by increasing dietary fiber and fluids. Regular blood pressure checks are a good idea. The patient is taking cholestyramine because of high cholesterol, which contributes to hypertension.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Digoxin can be taken 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant. Colesevelam reduces the LDL cholesterol level, which is one of its therapeutic uses. Colesevelam augments statin therapy. Colesevelam does not significantly interact with or reduce the absorption of statins, digoxin, warfarin, or most other drugs.

[maychende]

Excellent

[elyse44]

TYSM