The patient asks the nurse what atorvastatin (Lipitor) newly prescribed will do. What's the expected outcome the nurse will describe?

Choice A rationale

True. Xanthine derivatives like theophylline can cause serious adverse effects, including brain damage, when blood levels become too high. It is critical to monitor theophylline levels to prevent toxicity and associated neurological complications.

Choice B rationale

False. If xanthine levels remain within therapeutic ranges, the risk of brain damage is minimized. However, this statement is incorrect as it does not acknowledge the potential severity of the adverse effects linked to elevated theophylline levels.

Choice A rationale

A patient 3 days after surgery may still require higher doses of opioids for pain management, but the duration and intensity of postoperative pain typically decrease over time. This patient may not necessarily require a higher-than-expected dose compared to others.

Choice B rationale

Patients with cancer often experience severe and chronic pain due to the disease itself or its treatments. These patients may develop tolerance to opioids over time, necessitating higher-than-expected doses to achieve adequate pain relief.

Choice C rationale

Hypotension is a contraindication for high doses of opioids, as opioids can cause further blood pressure reduction. This patient would require careful dose adjustment to avoid exacerbating hypotension.

Choice D rationale

Patients with a concussion are at risk of altered mental status and respiratory depression from opioids. Therefore, higher doses are generally avoided to prevent worsening of these conditions.