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 ["D","E"]
Explanation
A) Aspirin: While aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that can help prevent further clot formation, it does not have thrombolytic properties and does not directly lyse existing clots. Therefore, it is not appropriate for this purpose.
B) Heparin: Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent the extension of existing clots and reduce the risk of new clots forming, but it does not dissolve existing clots. It helps manage deep vein thrombosis but does not have thrombolytic activity.
C) Warfarin (Coumadin): Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that is used to prevent new clot formation and the growth of existing clots. However, like heparin, it does not actively lyse or dissolve existing clots.
D) Alteplase (Activase): This medication is a thrombolytic agent that actively dissolves blood clots by activating plasminogen to plasmin, leading to clot breakdown. It is appropriate for use in cases of deep vein thrombosis when clot lysis is indicated.
E) Anistreplase (Eminase): Similar to alteplase, anistreplase is another thrombolytic agent used to lyse existing clots. It acts by converting plasminogen to plasmin, effectively breaking down fibrin in clots, making it suitable for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Masking of hypoglycemia: Propranolol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, which is important for clients with diabetes to be aware of. This means that while they may have low blood sugar, they might not experience the typical warning signs due to the medication's effects on the autonomic nervous system.
B) Tachycardia: Propranolol is a beta-blocker that is used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, tachycardia is not a side effect associated with this medication; in fact, it generally works to prevent this condition.
C) Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a common side effect of propranolol due to its action on beta-adrenergic receptors. Clients should be educated about monitoring their heart rate and reporting any significant drops.
D) Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a potential side effect of propranolol, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose. Clients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting.
E) Hypertension: Propranolol is prescribed to manage hypertension, so it should not be expected as a side effect. In fact, it is intended to lower blood pressure, and clients should be educated that they should not experience increased hypertension while taking this medication.