Student nurses have completed a module on pharmacotherapy for weight loss management. A quiz at the end of class asks them to identify the mechanism of action of orlistat (Xenical). Which response by a student indicates understanding of the content?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme in the digestive process that breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids. By blocking this enzyme, the absorption of dietary fat in the GI tract is reduced, leading to weight loss. Option A is incorrect as Orlistat does not increase the actions of GI and pancreatic enzymes, rather it blocks pancreatic lipase. Option B is incorrect as Orlistat does not affect signals from the hypothalamus responsible for hunger, rather it affects fat absorption. Option D is incorrect as Orlistat is not responsible for pituitary signals responsible for hunger.

Student Nurses Have Completed a Module on Pharmacotherapy for Weight