A client with obesity has just started taking orlistat. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Question

A client with obesity has just started taking orlistat.  Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown and absorption of fats from the intestine. This medication is prescribed to clients with obesity who have difficulty losing weight or a comorbidity that makes weight loss therapeutically essential (eg, diabetes, heart disease). Orlistat should always be used with diet modification and an exercise regimen. Because orlistat blocks the absorption of fats, it also interferes with fat-soluble vitamin uptake. Clients should offset this effect by taking a multivitamin that contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. To be most effective, multivitamins should be taken >2 hours after taking orlistat (Option A). (Option B) Clients may experience fecal incontinence, flatulence, oily stools, and oily spotting because unabsorbed fat is eliminated through defecation. (Option C) A low-fat diet is an essential component of weight loss when a lipase inhibitor has been prescribed. (Option D) The nurse should teach the client to take orlistat with, or within 1 hour of, meals that contain fat. If the client selects foods that do not contain fat, the dose may be skipped. Educational objective: Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, prevents the absorption of fat from the gastrointestinal tract and is used with diet (eg, low-fat) and exercise to promote weight loss. Because orlistat blocks the absorption of fats, it also interferes with the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins. Clients should take a daily multivitamin with vitamins A, D, E, and K >2 hours after taking orlistat to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

A Client with Obesity Has Just Started Taking Orlistat