A hospitalized patient who is prescribed lovastatin (Mevacor) 80 ...

[bio_gurl]

A hospitalized patient who is prescribed lovastatin (Mevacor) 80 mg orally looks at the four tablets the nurse provides and says At home, I only take two pills for 80 mg. I think this is too many pills. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Hold the dose and contact the prescriber.
  b. Remind the patient that the prescriber knows what is best for his or her particular health problem.
  c. Explain that each tablet contains 20 mg of the drug instead of 40 mg, and that four 20-mg tablets are the same dosage as two 40-mg tablets.
  d. Explain to the patient that while at home a lower dosage of the drug may have been prescribed than what is required while being hospitalized.

Question 2

A patient with insomnia also has liver disease. What precaution does the nurse include in this patient's care plan?
 
  a. Monitor carefully for increased side effects and adverse effects.
  b. Teach the patient that a higher dose is needed for effective action.
  c. Check the patient's electrolytes before administering the drug.
  d. Assess the patient's mental status every four hours.

[Mochi]

Answer to Question 1

C
There are many different dosage strengths for this drug, including both 20-mg tablets and 40-mg tablets. The patient is right to question a dose that seems different from what is taken at home. The nurse, who knows that the drug available on the hospital unit is available as lovastatin 20-mg tablets, reassures the patient by explaining the differences in tablet content. If further evidence is needed to completely reassure the patient, the nurse can provide the drug container.

Answer to Question 2

A
Drugs for insomnia are metabolized by the liver. When liver function is reduced, the drug levels can become very high and cause more side effects and adverse effects.

[bio_gurl]

Excellent

[Jossy]

TYSM