The health care provider prescribes simvastatin for a client with hyperlipidemia. The nurse instructs the client to take this medication in which manner?

Question

The health care provider prescribes simvastatin for a client with hyperlipidemia.  The nurse instructs the client to take this medication in which manner?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Statin drugs (eg, simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) are prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Most of the cholesterol in the body is synthesized by the liver during the fasting state, at night. Trials have found greater reductions in total and LDL cholesterol when statins (especially those that are short-acting; eg, simvastatin) are taken in the evening or at bedtime as opposed to during the day. (Options A and C) Medications that can cause stomach upset (eg, NSAIDs) should be taken with food. (Option B) Medications such as levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Acid-suppressing medications (eg, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers) should also be taken 30 minutes before the meal. Educational objective: The client taking a statin drug such as simvastatin should be taught to take the medication with the evening meal or at bedtime to promote maximal effectiveness.

The Health Care Provider Prescribes Simvastatin for a Client with Hyperlipidemia