Question 1

The nurse is caring for a client with coronary artery disease.When examining the results of laboratory tests, the nurse notes which of the following findings, which are consistent with this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is often associated with elevated levels of total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which are considered bad cholesterol, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered good cholesterol. High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, while higher levels of HDL are protective.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a patient about reducing her risk for coronary artery disease.An elevation in which laboratory value is most directly associated with atherosclerosis, leading to coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are most directly associated with the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease. LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Question 3

A client taking gemfibrozil (Lopid)and rosuvastatin (Crestor)reports that he is having muscle and joint pain.The nurse's response is based on an interpretation that this complaint might indicate:

Accepted Answer

The combination of gemfibrozil (a fibrate) and rosuvastatin (a statin) increases the risk of myopathy, which is a condition that causes muscle pain or weakness. This is because both drugs can lead to muscle injury, and their combined use amplifies this risk.

Question 4

Nicotinic acid and aspirin have been prescribed for a client with hyperlipidemia.The nurse explains that this drug combination has been prescribed because:

Accepted Answer

Aspirin is known to help reduce the flushing and discomfort associated with nicotinic acid (niacin) therapy, which is a common side effect when treating hyperlipidemia.

Question 5

An elevation in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)most likely would be related to which comorbid condition?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus is often associated with dyslipidemia, which includes elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is due to the impaired ability to metabolize lipids properly.

Question 6

The nurse is assigned to care for a client who has been taking cholestyramine (Questran).To maintain safety for this client relative to potential effects of this drug, the nurse should monitor:

Accepted Answer

Cholestyramine (Questran) is a bile acid sequestrant used primarily to lower cholesterol levels, which can affect liver function. Monitoring serum transaminases (liver enzymes) is important to assess for potential liver damage or dysfunction as a side effect of this medication.

Question 7

The nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed medication to manage his HDL cholesterol.Which statement by the client indicates he has understood teaching?

Accepted Answer

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Therefore, increasing HDL levels can potentially reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

Question 8

The nurse planning care for a patient newly diagnosed with elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL initiates a dietary consult because:

Accepted Answer

Non-pharmacologic approaches, such as dietary modifications, are often recommended as initial steps in managing dyslipidemia before resorting to pharmacologic interventions. This approach can help reduce lipid levels and potentially minimize the need for medications, which may have side effects.

Question 9

The nurse is evaluating a client's response to teaching about managing her dyslipidemia.Which statement by this client indicates that she needs additional teaching?

Accepted Answer

The statement "If a label lists cholesterol as an ingredient, I won't eat this food" indicates a misunderstanding. Dietary cholesterol found in foods does not have as significant an impact on blood cholesterol levels as once thought. The focus should be on the type of fats consumed rather than cholesterol content alone.

Question 10

Which goal is appropriate for a person attempting to control cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which goal is appropriate for a person...

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a client taking both gemfibrozil (Lopid)and warfarin (Coumadin).To maintain safety for relative to the interaction of these drugs, the nurse should monitor the client closely for:

Accepted Answer

Gemfibrozil can increase the effects of warfarin, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients for signs of bleeding when these medications are used together.

Question 12

Which statement indicates that a client understands teaching about avorstatin (Lipitor)?

Accepted Answer

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is known to be potentially harmful during pregnancy, so it is advised that women who are trying to become pregnant should stop taking the medication. This is because statins can cause birth defects and are contraindicated during pregnancy. The other options do not accurately reflect the recommended guidelines for taking atorvastatin.

Question 13

A client who takes avorstatin (Lipitor)daily has been prescribed erythromycin for sinusitis.To prevent consequences of an adverse effect of this combination of drugs, it is most important for the nurse to monitor this client for

Accepted Answer

The combination of atorvastatin (a statin used for lowering cholesterol) and erythromycin (an antibiotic) can increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, which is a serious condition involving muscle pain, weakness, and breakdown. Therefore, monitoring for new onset of muscle pain is crucial to prevent severe muscle damage.

Question 14

The nurse is teaching a client with elevated LDL cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol about strategies to manage this disorder.The client asks the nurse why there is a difference in the direction of change in the goals for altering HDL versus LDL cholesterol.The nurse's best response is:

Accepted Answer

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol because it can lead to the buildup of plaques in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, the goal is to increase HDL levels while decreasing LDL levels to manage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Question 15

Which statement indicates that a client has understood instructions about cholestyramine?

Accepted Answer

Cholestyramine can cause constipation, so drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent this side effect.

Question 16

A 58-year-old female is 75 pounds over her ideal weight, eats a diet high in carbohydrates, and drinks 3-4 alcoholic beverages daily.Which pattern of dyslipidemia most likely fits all the findings and behaviors demonstrated by this client?

Accepted Answer

The patient's lifestyle and dietary habits suggest a pattern of dyslipidemia characterized by elevated VLDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol, along with glucose intolerance. This is due to high carbohydrate intake, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, all of which can contribute to this specific lipid profile.

Question 17

The nurse is providing teaching to a client who has been placed on oral cholestyramine for management of a lipid disorder.Which statement by this client indicates that she needs further teaching about this drug?

Accepted Answer

CCholestyramine can bind to warfarin in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially decreasing the absorption and effectiveness of warfarin. Therefore, taking warfarin at least one hour before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine is recommended to avoid interaction, not just one hour before as stated. The statement about needing to increase the dose of warfarin due to cholestyramine use is incorrect; the interaction may actually necessitate a dose adjustment, but not necessarily an increase.

Question 18

Cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids travel between the liver and peripheral tissues:

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids are transported in the blood bound to apoproteins, forming lipoprotein complexes, which facilitate their solubility and transport to various tissues.

Question 19

The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results.Which finding is of most concern?

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides level of 349 mg/dL is significantly high and is of most concern. Normal triglyceride levels are usually less than 150 mg/dL. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

Question 20

The nurse is teaching a client with a lipid disorder about dietary modifications to manage his condition.Which statement by the client indicates that he understands the rationale underlying a recommendation to increase his intake of plant sterols?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is teaching a client with...

Quiz 32: Pharmacotherapy of Hyperlipidemia