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
Choice A reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not suitable for a client with hypertension. Fried foods, processed meats, and baked beans are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cake is a source of added sugar that can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Choice B reason: This is a moderate-fat, moderate-sodium, and moderate-calorie meal that is not ideal for a client with hypertension. Fried flounder and tomato soup are sources of fat and sodium that can increase blood pressure. White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.
Choice C reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not appropriate for a client with hypertension. Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fresh green beans are the only healthy component of this meal.
Choice D reason: This is a low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie meal that is suitable for a client with hypertension. Baked tuna, fresh broccoli, brown rice, and fresh cantaloupe are sources of lean protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent obesity and diabetes, and promote cardiovascular health.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: An early morning headache is not the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ Headache is a possible side effect of lisinopril, but it is not very frequent or specific to this drug. ²
Choice B reason: Occasional nausea is not the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ Nausea is a possible side effect of lisinopril, but it is not very frequent or specific to this drug. ²
Choice C reason: A chronic cough is the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ However, ACE inhibitors can also cause a dry, persistent cough that does not go away with time or treatment. ² This cough is due to the accumulation of a substance called bradykinin in the lungs, which irritates the airways and triggers the cough reflex. ³ The cough can be annoying and interfere with the quality of life of the client, but it is not harmful or dangerous. ²
Choice D reason: A dry mouth after eating is not the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ Dry mouth is a possible side effect of lisinopril, but it is not very frequent or specific to this drug. ² Dry mouth can be caused by many factors, such as dehydration, medication, or disease. It can be relieved by drinking water, chewing gum, or using saliva substitutes.
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