A patient with hyperlipidemia is prescribed atorvastatin. What lab test should be monitored periodically to assess for adverse effects?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Atorvastatin is a statin medication commonly known to potentially cause liver damage. 2. Monitoring liver function tests periodically helps assess for any liver abnormalities. 3. Elevated liver enzymes may indicate liver injury from atorvastatin. 4. Monitoring liver function tests allows for early detection and management of adverse effects. Summary: A: Monitoring liver function tests is crucial due to atorvastatin's potential hepatotoxicity. B: Complete blood count is not typically affected by atorvastatin. C: Blood glucose levels are not directly related to atorvastatin use. D: Serum potassium is not specifically monitored for atorvastatin-related adverse effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rinse the mouth after using the inhaler. This instruction is crucial because corticosteroid inhalers can lead to oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth helps prevent this side effect. A: Using the inhaler only during asthma attacks is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used regularly to manage asthma symptoms. C: Taking a double dose if symptoms worsen is dangerous and can lead to overdose. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage. D: Avoiding using a spacer with the inhaler is not a universal instruction. Spacers can actually improve the effectiveness of the medication delivery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication with food. Allopurinol can cause stomach upset, so taking it with food can help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach pain. Choice B is incorrect because increasing high-purine foods can exacerbate gout symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which is not recommended for gout patients. Choice D is incorrect because allopurinol does not provide immediate pain relief; it works to lower uric acid levels over time to prevent gout attacks.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promote red blood cell production. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, helping to treat anemia. It does not stimulate white blood cell production (A), increase platelet count (B), or enhance clotting factor production (D). White blood cells are involved in the immune response, platelets are responsible for clotting, and clotting factors are proteins involved in the blood clotting process. Therefore, the primary action of erythropoietin is to specifically target red blood cell production to address anemia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is the priority action because the client is experiencing severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the leg, which are signs of potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other serious complications postoperatively. The healthcare provider needs to be informed promptly to assess and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. A: Applying a warm compress may worsen the condition if it is DVT, as heat can promote clot formation. B: Elevating the leg on pillows may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and delay necessary intervention. C: Measuring the circumference of the leg may provide some information, but it is not as urgent as notifying the healthcare provider for immediate assessment and intervention.