Hesi Pharmacology exam 2
Hesi Pharmacology exam 2 ( 36 Questions)
After taking orlistat for one week, a female client tells the home health nurse that she is experiencing increasingly frequent oily stools and flatus. Which action should the nurse take?
This option is not appropriate as increasing saturated fat intake would exacerbate the oily stool and flatus symptoms caused by orlistat. Orlistat is specifically designed to reduce fat absorption, and increasing fat intake would be counterproductive and may worsen the side effects.
While it is important to assess the client's dietary intake history, it may not provide specific insights into the cause of the oily stools and flatus. These symptoms are well-
known side effects of orlistat, and it is not necessary to gather dietary history information to confirm this. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the side effects and discussing the continuation of the medication with the healthcare provider.
The client is experiencing increasingly frequent oily stools and flatus, which are common side effects of orlistat. Orlistat is a medication used to aid weight loss by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. By blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats, orlistat prevents the absorption of a portion of the dietary fat, leading to increased fat content in the stool.
While obtaining a stool specimen for evaluation might be relevant in some situations, it is not the priority in this case. The oily stools and flatus are most likely related to the side effects of orlistat and do not typically require stool testing for confirmation. The more immediate action would be to address the symptoms by advising the client to stop taking the medication and contact her healthcare provider for further guidance.
Choice A rationale: This option is not appropriate as increasing saturated fat intake would exacerbate the oily stool and flatus symptoms caused by orlistat. Orlistat is specifically designed to reduce fat absorption, and increasing fat intake would be counterproductive and may worsen the side effects.
Choice B rationale: While it is important to assess the client's dietary intake history, it may not provide specific insights into the cause of the oily stools and flatus. These symptoms are well-
known side effects of orlistat, and it is not necessary to gather dietary history information to confirm this. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the side effects and discussing the continuation of the medication with the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale: The client is experiencing increasingly frequent oily stools and flatus, which are common side effects of orlistat. Orlistat is a medication used to aid weight loss by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. By blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats, orlistat prevents the absorption of a portion of the dietary fat, leading to increased fat content in the stool.
Choice D rationale: While obtaining a stool specimen for evaluation might be relevant in some situations, it is not the priority in this case. The oily stools and flatus are most likely related to the side effects of orlistat and do not typically require stool testing for confirmation. The more immediate action would be to address the symptoms by advising the client to stop taking the medication and contact her healthcare provider for further guidance.