A nurse is evaluating outcomes of teaching for a client with a new prescription for avorstatin (Lipitor). Which response indicates that the client has understood teaching about this drug?

Question

1. "I will avoid taking this drug with meals."
2. "I might need to increase my dose of digoxin while I am taking this drug."
3. "I will stop taking this drug if I am trying to get pregnant."
4. "I should always take this drug right before breakfast."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Absorption of avorstatin (Lipitor) is not inhibited by food in the gastrointestinal tract.
Rationale 2: Avorstatin (Lipitor) can increase serum digoxin levels significantly. Clients taking avorstatin (Lipitor) might need to decrease their dose of digoxin, and should have digoxin levels monitored frequently.
Rationale 3: Avorstatin is a pregnancy category X drug, and should be avoided by women of childbearing age who might become pregnant.
Rationale 4: Because cholesterol synthesis increases at night, drugs to treat lipid disorders are more effective if taken at bedtime.
Global Rationale: Avorstatin is a pregnancy category X drug, and should be avoided by women of childbearing age who might become pregnant. Absorption of avorstatin (Lipitor) is not inhibited by food in the gastrointestinal tract. Avorstatin (Lipitor) can increase serum digoxin levels significantly. Clients taking avorstatin (Lipitor) might need to decrease their dose of digoxin, and should have digoxin levels monitored frequently. Because cholesterol synthesis increases at night, drugs to treat lipid disorders are more effective if taken at bedtime.