The nurse is reviewing the client’s laboratory values. Which serum laboratory value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect for a client at risk for coronary artery disease?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
High-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Prothrombin time (PT).
Creatine phosphokinase (CK).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and result in heart disease and stroke. Atorvastatin is a statin medication that works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver, specifically targeting LDL cholesterol. Lowering LDL levels is a primary goal in managing and reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.
Choice B reason:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. While atorvastatin can also help increase HDL levels, the primary indicator of its effectiveness in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease is the reduction in LDL levels.
Choice C reason:
Prothrombin time (PT) is a measure of how long it takes blood to clot. It is not directly related to the effectiveness of atorvastatin in managing cholesterol levels or reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. PT is more relevant in the context of anticoagulant therapy.
Choice D reason:
Creatine phosphokinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Elevated CK levels can indicate muscle damage, which can be a side effect of statin therapy. However, CK levels are not used to measure the effectiveness of atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol or reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asking if the client’s morning voids are dark-colored can help identify potential side effects of carbidopa-levodopa, such as darkened urine, which is a known but harmless side effect. However, this does not directly address the client’s concern about the medication’s effectiveness.
Choice B reason:
Evaluating the client for signs of dyskinesia is important because dyskinesia can be a side effect of long-term carbidopa-levodopa use. However, this step is more relevant after understanding the client’s specific concerns about the medication’s effectiveness.
Choice C reason:
Determining if the client is taking the medication before meals is crucial because food can affect the absorption of carbidopa-levodopa. Taking the medication on an empty stomach can enhance its effectiveness. However, this step should follow a more detailed exploration of the client’s concerns.
Choice D reason:
Exploring what the client means by the drug “is not working” is the most important first step. This allows the nurse to understand the client’s specific issues, whether they are related to symptom management, side effects, or other concerns. This information is essential for tailoring subsequent interventions and providing appropriate education and support.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue are subjective indicators of improvement in anemia symptoms. While these reports are important and suggest that the client is feeling better, they do not provide objective evidence of the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. Hemoglobin levels are a more precise measure of the medication’s impact on anemia.
Choice B Reason:
A food diary showing increased consumption of iron-rich foods indicates that the client is making dietary changes to support their anemia treatment. However, this does not directly measure the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. The medication’s primary goal is to stimulate red blood cell production, which is best assessed through hemoglobin levels.
Choice C Reason:
An increase in hemoglobin level to 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L) is an objective indicator that epoetin alfa is effective. Hemoglobin levels are a direct measure of the red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. An increase in hemoglobin levels indicates that the medication is successfully treating the anemia associated with CKD.
Choice D Reason:
Taking concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects is important for overall treatment adherence and minimizing side effects. However, it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. The primary measure of effectiveness is the improvement in hemoglobin levels.
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