ANTILIPIDEMICS

What is the primary mechanism of action of bile acid sequestrants?

• Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity

• Bind bile acids in the intestine and prevent their reabsorption

• Block cholesterol absorption at the intestinal brush border

• Increase lipoprotein lipase activity

A patient is prescribed a bile acid sequestrant. Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication?

• Take the medication with meals

• Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant

• Take the medication with grapefruit juice

• Take the medication on an empty stomach

A patient on bile acid sequestrant therapy shows laboratory results with decreased LDL cholesterol but increased triglyceride levels. Which response by the nurse demonstrates understanding of bile acid sequestrants?

• This is an unexpected reaction; we need to discontinue the medication immediately.

• This indicates treatment failure; you'll need to switch to a different drug class.

• This is a known effect of bile acid sequestrants, which can increase triglyceride production by 10% to 50%.

• Your diet must be too high in fat; this medication should lower all lipid levels.

A patient asks why their healthcare provider prescribed a statin as first-line therapy for high cholesterol. What is the nurse's best response?

• Statins are the cheapest medications available for cholesterol management.

• Statins are recommended as first-line therapy for hypercholesterolemia and can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 50%.

• Statins work faster than any other cholesterol medication.

• Statins have no side effects compared to other options.

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient prescribed statin therapy. Which finding would be a contraindication for continuing this medication?

• Elevated HDL cholesterol

• Slightly elevated blood glucose

• Elevated serum transaminase levels

• Decreased LDL cholesterol

A female patient of childbearing age is prescribed simvastatin. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?

• This medication can be taken with or without food.

• You should take this medication in the morning for best results.

• This medication is pregnancy category X and must be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

• This medication works best when combined with grapefruit juice.

Ezetimibe (Zetia) is prescribed for a patient with elevated cholesterol. The nurse understands that ezetimibe differs from statins because it:

• Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in the liver

• Blocks cholesterol absorption at the brush border of the small intestine

• Binds bile acids and prevents their reabsorption

• Increases the breakdown of triglycerides in the bloodstream

A patient is started on a vasodilator for hypertension. What is the priority nursing assessment related to orthostatic hypotension?

• Assess capillary refill time

• Monitor blood pressure in supine and standing positions

• Check pupillary response

• Evaluate skin turgor

The nurse is teaching a patient taking a vasodilator about preventing orthostatic hypotension. Which instruction should be included?

• "Stand up quickly to minimize dizziness duration."

• "Avoid drinking fluids before standing to prevent urgency."

• "Change positions slowly, sitting at the edge of the bed before standing."

• "Restrict sodium intake to less than 500 mg daily."