Chapter 47, Lipid lowering agents

Which activity increases high-density lipoproteins?

All of these. Weight loss, regular aerobic exercise, and smoking cessation (for those who smoke) all increase HDL cholesterol.

A nurse is aware of the high incidence and prevalence of hyperlipidemia and the consequent need for antihyperlipidemics. Treatment of high cholesterol using statins would be contraindicated in which client?

An obese male client who is a heavy alcohol user and who has cirrhosis of the liver

Which substance would a group of students identify as being responsible for breaking up dietary fats into smaller units?

Bile acids

Blood lipids are a category of fatty acids, which are substances used within the body to perform essential functions. Which category of blood lipids is involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques?

Cholesterol

Which would be classified as a bile acid sequestrant?

Cholestyramine

Elevated blood lipids are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and vascular disorders. From where are blood lipids derived?

Diet

As part of a routine physical examination, a 60-year-old client's primary care provider has ordered blood work that includes cholesterol levels. What result would strongly suggest the need for an antihyperlipidemic drug?

Elevated LDL levels

A patient with hyperlipidemia is prescribed ezetimibe. Which ongoing assessment should the nurse perform during treatment?

Frequently monitor blood cholesterol.

After teaching a group of students about fats and biotransformation, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify what as the storage location of bile acids?

Gallbladder

After reviewing information about antihyperlipidemic drugs, a group of nursing students demonstrate understanding when they identify which medication as a fibric acid derivative (fibrate)?

Gemfibrozil

The three major classes of drugs used to control blood lipids are statins, bile acid resins (or sequestrants), and fibrates. Which is a fibrate?

Gemfibrozil

The pharmacology instructor is discussing medications used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Which drug class would the instructor identify as the most widely used dyslipidemia drugs?

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

What might a client report of during treatment with an atorvastatin (Lipitor)? (Select all that apply.)`

Headache Constipation Insomnia

Which lipid level would the nurse interpret as being high?

LDL cholesterol of 190 mg/dL

The nurse is providing education to the client who will soon begin treatment of hyperlipidemia with simvastatin (Zocor). The client has asked the nurse if there are any "bad side effects". Which statements should underlie the nurse's response?

Most clients tolerate statins well, with minor muscle aches being among the most common adverse effects.

A client is taking lovastatin (Mevacor). Which are noted as the most common adverse effects?

Nausea, flatulence, and constipation

A client who is receiving a bile acid sequestrant is being prescribed an additional agent to lower lipid levels. Which agent would the nurse most likely expect the provider to order?

Niacin

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are classified as which pregnancy category?

Pregnancy Category X

What should the nurse suggest to assist a client to improve his cholesterol levels?

Smoking cessation

A 37-year-old woman with moderately elevated lipid levels requests immediate pharmacotherapy for her dyslipidemia. The nurse explains that a period of intensive diet therapy and lifestyle modification will be utilized before drug therapy is considered. The nurse explains the rationale for this regimen as:

Therapeutic lifestyle changes are the preferred method for lowering blood lipids.

A patient with metabolic syndrome usually has increased plasminogen activator levels.

True

A nurse is conducting a presentation for a local community group about hyperlipidemia. When discussing the factors that individuals can work on to reduce their risk, which information would the nurse include? Select all that apply.

Weight Diet

A client who has been taking a statin has seen an improvement in his cholesterol laboratory values; however, the low-density lipoprotein remains elevated. What medication will be added to the medical regime?

cholestyramine

A client who has been taking a statin has seen an improvement in his cholesterol laboratory values; however, the low-density lipoprotein remains elevated. What medication will be added to the medical regime?

cholestyramineq

In addition to being synthesized in the liver and intestine, from where are blood lipids derived?

diet

The client is diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and prescribed lovastatin. Which is the most common adverse effects of lovastatin?

headache and flatulence.

Which single class drug is known to be most effective in reducing the major types of dyslipidemia?

statins

A nurse should be aware that use of statin drugs is contraindicated in clients with which conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Lactation Pregnancy Serious hepatic disease

A nurse is providing care to a client who has elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). A review of the client's history reveals a sedentary lifestyle and a history of being overweight. The nurse understands that this combination of factors places the client at risk for which condition?

Heart disease