A moderately obese patient has been on a 1000-calorie diet with a daily exercise routine and a prescription for sibutramine (Meridia) for 10 weeks. Which information obtained by the nurse is important to report to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient may be experiencing an increase in heart rate caused by the sibutramine (Meridia) that should be evaluated further by the health care provider. Plateaus during weight-loss programs are common. Chronic constipation may be a side effect of the sibutramine, and the nurse should instruct the patient in measures such as eating more high-fiber foods and increasing fluid intake. The nurse should reinforce the need to exercise more frequently, but no additional intervention by the health care provider is necessary regarding the patient's activity level.

A Moderately Obese Patient Has Been on a 1000-Calorie Diet