A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: LDL of 200 mg/dL. Elevated LDL levels are a major risk factor for CAD and require immediate intervention. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is used to lower LDL levels. High LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. A: Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL is within the normal range and doesn't require immediate intervention. C: Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL are also within the normal range and don't pose an immediate risk. D: HDL of 40 mg/dL is considered low, but it is not as critical as high LDL levels in the context of CAD.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Monitor your blood pressure regularly." This instruction is crucial for a client with hypertension prescribed hydrochlorothiazide because the medication helps lower blood pressure. By monitoring their blood pressure regularly, the client can track the effectiveness of the medication and ensure it is within the target range. This allows for early detection of any potential issues or the need for medication adjustments. Option A is incorrect because while it is generally recommended to take hydrochlorothiazide in the morning, it is not the most critical instruction for this scenario. Option B is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia, so avoiding high potassium foods is not necessary. Option D is also important but not as crucial as monitoring blood pressure, as reducing high-sodium foods can help manage hypertension but is not specific to hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Improved hemoglobin levels. Epoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia in patients with chronic renal failure by stimulating red blood cell production. Improved hemoglobin levels indicate that the medication is effective in addressing the anemia associated with renal failure. Increased urine output (A) is not a direct outcome of epoetin alfa therapy. Decreased blood pressure (B) and stable potassium levels (D) are not specific indicators of the medication's effectiveness in treating anemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased pedal edema. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure by improving the heart's ability to pump effectively. As the medication helps to reduce fluid buildup in the body, a decrease in pedal edema (swelling in the feet and ankles) indicates that digoxin is effectively managing the client's heart failure. Increased heart rate (A) may indicate digoxin toxicity, elevated blood pressure (C) is not a typical indicator of digoxin effectiveness, and improved urine output (D) may be a result of diuretic therapy rather than specifically digoxin efficacy in heart failure management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, commonly causes a dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect can be bothersome and non-productive. Other choices are incorrect because weight gain is not a common side effect of lisinopril but rather a side effect of some other antihypertensive medications. Tachycardia is not associated with lisinopril; in fact, it can cause bradycardia in some cases. Hyperglycemia is not a common side effect of lisinopril and is more commonly associated with other classes of antihypertensive medications.