Author Question: The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old woman taking a beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzyme A ... (Read 81 times)

iveyjurea · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old woman taking a beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor to lower serum lipid levels.

When teaching this patient about her medications what priority teaching point will the nurse include in the teaching plan? A) Need for frequent ophthalmic examinations
B) Information about a cholesterol-lowering diet
C) Use of barrier contraceptives
D) Calling her doctor with any respiratory symptoms

Question 2

What symptoms would the nurse find to be consistent with a diagnosis of a peptic ulcer?

A) Pain a few hours after eating
B) Pain described as sharp and stabbing
C) Explosive diarrhea within 1 hour of eating
D) Unable to stand comfortably due to abdominal pain

ankilker · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
It is important to teach a woman of childbearing age taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to use barrier contraceptives because there is a risk of severe fetal abnormalities associated with these drugs if taken during pregnancy. She should have routine ophthalmic examinations but does not need more frequent examinations. Cholesterol lowering diet should have been initiated before beginning medications to lower lipid levels. There are no associated respiratory risks with these medications so she would call the doctor with respiratory symptoms as she normally would.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Ulcer patients present with a predictable description of gnawing, burning pain often occurring a few hours after meals. The pain is not described as sharp and stabbing. Diarrhea is not usually associated with peptic ulcer disease and patients do not find it difficult to stand upright.