A patient is taking nicotinic acid (Niacin) to treat ...

[torybrooks]

A patient is taking nicotinic acid (Niacin) to treat hyperlipidemia. The patient reports a flushing sensation along with gastrointestinal irritation. The nurse will perform which action?
 
  a. Contact the provider to discuss possible thromboembolism.
  b. Discuss decreasing the patient's dose of nicotinic acid with the provider.
  c. Reassure the patient that these effects will decrease over time.
  d. Suggest that the patient take niacin with a full glass of cool water.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who has poor nutrition. The nurse notes cracked skin at the corners of the patient's mouth along with generalized scaly dermatitis.
 
  The nurse will contact the provider to discuss a possible deficiency of which vitamin?
  a. Nicotinic acid
  b. Pyridoxine
  c. Riboflavin
  d. Thiamine

[Jody Vaughn]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Large doses of niacin can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vasodilation, resulting in a flushing sensation. Decreasing the dose can alleviate these symptoms. They do not indicate development of thromboembolism. Taking niacin with a full glass of water does not alleviate these symptoms.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Riboflavin deficiency is characterized by scaly dermatitis, cracked corners of the mouth, and inflammation of the mouth and tongue.

[torybrooks]

Excellent

[dantucker]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it