The nurse is preparing medications for a patient. When is the ...

[tatyanajohnson]

The nurse is preparing medications for a patient. When is the best time for the nurse to administer lovastatin (Mevacor)?
 
  a. 2 hours after breakfast
  b. During the patient's dinner
  c. 1 hour before breakfast
  d. 30 minutes before lunch

Question 2

The nurse has completed an admitting patient history and notes the patient's current medications to be simvastatin (Zocor) and warfarin (Coumadin). What is the result of the interaction of these drugs?
 
  a. Abdominal distention
  b. Increased INR
  c. Low serum level of simvastatin
  d. Hypertension

[Jane]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Lovastatin should be administered with food to enhance absorption, and in the evening, because this is when the production of cholesterol is at its highest. It is not recommended that lovastatin be taken after food but while eating to enhance absorption. Taking the medication a half hour or an hour before eating would not benefit the patient or enhance absorption.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The combined therapy of simvastatin and warfarin may prolong the patient's INR. Additional nursing assessments would include monitoring for possible overcoagulation and bleeding. Abdominal distention and a low serum level of simvastatin do not occur with the combined therapy of simvastatin and warfarin. Increased blood pressure is not a complication of combining simvastatin and warfarin therapy.

[tatyanajohnson]

Excellent

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TYSM