A nurse performing an admission history on a patient learns that the patient is taking orlistat (Xenical), warfarin (Coumadin), and levothyroxine (Synthroid). What will the nurse do?
a. Contact the provider to discuss increasing the warfarin dose.
b. Give the levothyroxine at least 4 hours before giving the orlistat.
c. Suggest that the patient avoid fatty foods while taking these medications.
d. Tell the patient to take the orlistat on an empty stomach.
ANS: B
Orlistat may cause hypothyroidism in patients taking levothyroxine; these two drugs should be administered at least 4 hours apart. The vitamin K deficiency that can occur with orlistat may compound the effects of warfarin, so coagulation should be monitored; it is more likely that the warfarin dose would need to be reduced. The patient may still consume foods containing fat, as long as fat accounts for about 30% of the total intake. Orlistat should be taken with food.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is seeing a 10-year-old child at a well-child visit. Knowing that risky behavior begins at this age, what is one of the questions she should include in the assessment of this child?
1. Ask if some of the child's friends have tried smoking. 2. Ask if the child does his homework on time. 3. Ask if he eats a balanced diet every day. 4. Ask if he has friends over regularly.
A nurse is teaching a group of students about the stigma that is often associated with mental illness. The nurse tells the group that stigma associated with mental illness is about which of the following?
1. Disrespect 2. Intelligence 3. Respect 4. Appreciation
The chief nursing officer understands that to be able to compare data across client populations and sites, it is important that nurses use:
a. Similar settings. b. Information systems. c. Knowledge systems. d. Structured nursing languages.
Postpartum care occurs
A) before the baby is born. B) during the delivery of the baby. C) throughout childhood. D) after the birth of the baby.