Which data indicates to the nurse that the client's current dose of simvastatin has been effective?
Total cholesterol 198 mg/dL
Blood pressure 132/80
Serum triglycerides 172 mg/dL
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) 90 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Total cholesterol is not the best indicator of the effectiveness of simvastatin, a drug that lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. ¹ Total cholesterol includes both LDL and HDL (high density lipoprotein), which have opposite effects on the heart and blood vessels. ² The normal range of total cholesterol for adults is less than 200 mg/dL, but this does not reflect the balance between LDL and HDL.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure is not directly related to the effectiveness of simvastatin, although high blood pressure and high cholesterol are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease. ³ Simvastatin does not lower blood pressure, but it may prevent or slow down the development of atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup. ¹ The normal range of blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Choice C reason: Serum triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can contribute to cardiovascular disease. ² Simvastatin can lower triglyceride levels, but this is not its main effect. ¹ The normal range of serum triglycerides for adults is less than 150 mg/dL.
Choice D reason: LDL is the main target of simvastatin therapy, as it is the "bad" cholesterol that can cause plaque buildup and damage the arteries. ¹ Simvastatin works by inhibiting an enzyme that produces LDL in the liver. The optimal level of LDL for adults is less than 100 mg/dL, and even lower for those with high risk of cardiovascular disease. ² A LDL level of 90 mg/dL indicates that the client's current dose of simvastatin has been effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
hoice A reason: Preparing for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with respiratory failure or impending airway obstruction, which are not the case for this client.
Choice B reason: Providing continuous sedation for pain relief is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention may worsen the client's condition by suppressing the respiratory drive and lowering the blood pressure. The nurse should administer antithyroid medications, beta blockers, and corticosteroids as prescribed to reduce the thyroid hormone levels and the associated symptoms.
Choice C reason: Initiating cardiac monitoring and assessing for reflex bradycardia is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with hyperkalemia or digoxin toxicity, which are not the case for this client. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm, but not expect a reflex bradycardia, which is a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate in response to a rapid rise in blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Maintaining IV fluid infusion and assessing adequacy of hydration is the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with thyroid storm, as they are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to increased metabolic rate, fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nurse should administer isotonic fluids, such as normal saline, and monitor the client's fluid intake and output, urine specific gravity, and serum electrolytes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Admission blood pressure is 110/70 is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a normal blood pressure reading for an adult client and does not indicate any contraindication or complication for the cardiac angiogram.
Choice B reason: Client has multiple food and drug allergies is the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a critical information that may affect the choice of contrast agent, medications, or equipment used for the cardiac angiogram. The nurse should identify the specific allergens and the type and severity of the allergic reactions that the client has experienced in the past.
Choice C reason: Pedal pulses are 1+ bilaterally is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a low-normal finding for the strength of the peripheral pulses and does not indicate any significant vascular impairment or obstruction. The nurse should document and monitor the pedal pulses, but not necessarily report them.
Choice D reason: Client is slightly anxious is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a common and expected emotional response for a client who is undergoing an invasive diagnostic test and does not require any immediate intervention. The nurse should provide reassurance and education to the client and address any concerns or questions that they may have.
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