Chapter 41: Antihyperlipidemics and Peripheral Vasodilators

1. A female patient has serum lipid levels performed, which reveal a total cholesterol of 285 mg/dL, triglycerides of 188 mg/dL, a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 175 mg/dL, and a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 40 mg/dL. The patient’s blood pressure is 138/72 mm Hg. The patient is currently not receiving any prescription medications. Which of the following would be the most appropriate medication (or medications) to be started at this time?

2. A patient has a serum cholesterol level of 270 mg/dL. The patient asks the nurse what this level means. Which response by the nurse is correct?

3. A patient begins taking cholestyramine (Questran) to treat hyperlipidemia. The patient reports abdominal discomfort and constipation. The nurse will provide which instruction to the patient?

4. A patient has been taking cholestyramine (Questran) to treat hyperlipidemia. The patient reports abdominal cramping and constipation. The patient’s serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has decreased from 170 to 110 mg/dL, and triglycerides have not changed from 150 mg/dL since beginning the medication. The provider changes the medication to colesevelam HCl (Welchol). The patient asks the nurse why the medication was changed, and the nurse will explain that colesevelam HCl is ordered for which reason?

5. A patient is admitted to the hospital, and the provider orders gemfibrozil (Lopid) 600 mg twice daily, 30 minutes prior to meals. The nurse learns that the patient takes warfarin (Coumadin) once daily. The nurse will contact the provider to discuss

6. A patient begins taking nicotinic acid (Niacin) and reports dizziness and flushing of the skin. The nurse will perform which action?

7. A patient has been taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) for several months to treat hyperlipidemia. The patient reports severe muscle weakness and tenderness. The nurse will counsel the patient to do which of the following?

8. The nurse provides teaching to a patient who will begin taking simvastatin (Zocor) to treat hyperlipidemia. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

9. A patient, who has intermittent claudication, has been taking 100 mg of cilostazol (Pletal) twice times daily with meals for 2 weeks. The patient calls the clinic and reports continued pain in both legs during exercise. How will the nurse advise the patient?

10. A patient will begin taking simvastatin (Zocor) to decrease serum cholesterol. When teaching the patient about this medication, the nurse will counsel the patient to take which action?

11. A patient will begin taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) to treat hyperlipidemia. The patient asks the nurse how to take the medication for best effect. Which statement by the nurse is correct?

12. A patient has been prescribed cilostazol. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

1. A patient with high cholesterol is ordered to take atorvastatin (Lipitor). What information will be included in the patient teaching? (Select all that apply.)