Author Question: A patient prescribed niacin extended action (Niaspan) reports all of the following new onset ... (Read 33 times)

berenicecastro · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient prescribed niacin extended action (Niaspan) reports all of the following new onset problems. For which problem does the nurse notify the prescriber?

a. Moderate itchiness, especially at night
b. Six to seven loose stools daily
c. Increased nighttime urination
d. Swollen, painful great toe

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to teach a patient about oxybate (Xyrem) for the treatment of narcolepsy. Which precaution does the nurse stress?

a. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
b. Be sure to take this drug with food or milk.
c. Report constipation to your prescriber.
d. Use mints to prevent dry mouth.

ju · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
One adverse reaction to niacin is an increase in uric acid crystals and calcium that can precipitate in joints and cause gout. The great toe is one of the most common sites of gout. The condition is painful and reduces mobility. Usually, the patient can continue the niacin therapy along with another drug that reduces uric acid production. Drinking plenty of water can also reduce the pre-cipitation of uric acid.

Answer to Question 2

A
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) works by increasing sedation to ensure a good night sleep and pre-venting daytime sleepiness. A side effect this drug may cause is sleep-walking without any memory of the event. It should never be taken with alcohol because this will dramatically in-crease the CNS effects.