Free NCLEX RN Questions on Health Promotion and Maintenance Nursing Practice Question
The nurse has given medication instructions to a client receiving lovastatin. The nurse determines that the client understands the effects of the medication if the client stated the need to adhere to the periodic evaluation of which laboratory test?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lovastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to treat hyperlipidemia. It results in an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a decrease in triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This medication is converted by the liver to active metabolites and therefore is not used in clients with active hepatic disease or elevated transaminase levels. For this reason, it is recommended that clients have periodic liver function studies. Periodic cholesterol levels are also needed to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.