The nurse is caring for a client who is taking atorvastatin to assist in lowering his LDL cholesterol. Which lab value must be routinely done with this medication to prevent complications?
Platelet counts
Lung function test
Liver function test
Bun and Creatine levels
The Correct Answer is C
A) Platelet counts: Monitoring platelet counts is not necessary with atorvastatin therapy. While certain medications may affect platelet levels, atorvastatin primarily targets lipid levels and does not have a significant impact on platelet function.
B) Lung function test: Lung function tests are not relevant for atorvastatin use. These tests are typically utilized for assessing respiratory conditions and are not part of the routine monitoring for cholesterol-lowering medications.
C) Liver function test: Atorvastatin can affect liver function, so it is essential to monitor liver
enzymes (such as AST and ALT) regularly. Routine liver function tests help identify any potential hepatotoxicity early, allowing for timely intervention if liver function declines.
D) Bun and creatinine levels: While monitoring renal function can be important in some contexts, it is not a routine requirement specifically for atorvastatin. However, it may be necessary in certain patient populations or if there are concerns about kidney function, but liver function tests are the primary focus with this medication.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Platelet counts: Monitoring platelet counts is not necessary with atorvastatin therapy. While certain medications may affect platelet levels, atorvastatin primarily targets lipid levels and does not have a significant impact on platelet function.
B) Lung function test: Lung function tests are not relevant for atorvastatin use. These tests are typically utilized for assessing respiratory conditions and are not part of the routine monitoring for cholesterol-lowering medications.
C) Liver function test: Atorvastatin can affect liver function, so it is essential to monitor liver
enzymes (such as AST and ALT) regularly. Routine liver function tests help identify any potential hepatotoxicity early, allowing for timely intervention if liver function declines.
D) Bun and creatinine levels: While monitoring renal function can be important in some contexts, it is not a routine requirement specifically for atorvastatin. However, it may be necessary in certain patient populations or if there are concerns about kidney function, but liver function tests are the primary focus with this medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "This medication decreases chest pain by dissolving blood clots that are occluding the arteries.": This statement is incorrect because nitroglycerin does not dissolve blood clots. Instead, it works by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which helps improve blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve angina.
B) "Place one tablet under your tongue every 15 minutes and repeat up to 5 times for relief of chest pain.": This is not accurate; while nitroglycerin can be taken sublingually, the typical recommendation is to take one tablet every 5 minutes as needed for chest pain, not every 15 minutes, and not to exceed 3 tablets within 15 minutes.
C) "This medication is the first-line treatment for hypertension.": Although nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure, it is not typically considered a first-line treatment for hypertension. It is primarily used for angina relief rather than as a primary antihypertensive agent.
D) "This medication dilates cardiac blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart.": This statement accurately describes the action of nitroglycerin. By dilating the coronary arteries, nitroglycerin increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which helps alleviate angina symptoms. This is a key point to emphasize during patient education.