A patient who has recently started therapy on a statin drug asks the nurse how long it will take until he sees an effect on his serum cholesterol. Which statement would be the nurse™s best response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response would be, "It takes 6 to 8 weeks to see a change in cholesterol levels." Statin drugs typically take around 6 to 8 weeks before a noticeable effect on serum cholesterol levels is seen. This timeframe allows the medication to fully take effect and lower the cholesterol levels in the blood. Patients should continue with the prescribed treatment regimen and have their cholesterol levels monitored regularly to assess the effectiveness of the medication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Adverse effects of fibric acid derivatives, also known as fibrates, may include joint pain among other side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, abnormalities in liver function tests, and myopathy (muscle damage). Joint pain can be a result of musculoskeletal side effects associated with fibrates, so it is important for the patient to report any new or worsening joint pain to their healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Albuterol is a medication that belongs to the class of beta-2 adrenergic agonists, which are primarily used for bronchodilation. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing them to widen and making breathing easier for individuals with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. Albuterol helps to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It is commonly used as a rescue inhaler for quick relief of acute bronchospasm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The therapeutic serum range for phenobarbital (luminal) when used for anxiety is typically between 5-10 mcg/ml. This range is considered effective in controlling anxiety symptoms while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Higher serum levels (options B, C, D) may increase the risk of adverse effects such as sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose. Therefore, monitoring the serum levels of phenobarbital is essential to ensure the medication is at a therapeutic range for the intended treatment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) are contraindicated with Nitroglycerin. Both Nitroglycerin and erectile dysfunction drugs work by lowering blood pressure. When taken together, they can cause a significant drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness, fainting, and even serious complications like low blood pressure and decreased oxygen supply to the heart. Therefore, it is important to avoid using these medications together to prevent potential harm.