Page 1791 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

5. Administer the medication through a large vein.

XVIII. Antilipemic Medications

A. Description
1. Antilipemic medications reduce serum levels of
cholesterol, triglycerides, or low-density lipoprotein.
2. When cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density
lipoprotein levels are elevated, the client is at
increased risk for coronary artery disease.
3. In many cases, diet alone will not lower blood lipid
levels; therefore, antilipemic medications will be
prescribed.
B. Bile sequestrants (see Chapter 49)
1. Description
a. Bind with acids in the intestines, which
prevents reabsorption of cholesterol
b. Should not be used as the only therapy
in clients with elevated triglyceride
levels because they may raise
triglyceride levels

2. Side and adverse effects

a. Constipation
b. Gastrointestinal disturbances:
Heartburn, nausea, belching, bloating

3. Interventions

a. Cholestyramine comes in a gritty
powder that must be mixed
thoroughly in juice or water before
administration.
b. Monitor the client for early signs of
peptic ulcer such as nausea and
abdominal discomfort followed by
abdominal pain and distention.
c. Instruct the client that the medication
must be taken with and followed by
sufficient fluids.
C. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Box 53-19)
1. Description
a. Lovastatin is highly protein-bound and
should not be administered with
anticoagulants.
b. Lovastatin should not be administered
with gemfibrozil.
c. Administer lovastatin with caution to
the client taking immunosuppressive

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