University of Texas, Arlington NURS 5334 (NURS5334) Cardiac Rx Case Atorvastatin Grade Sheet | Complete updated fall 2025/26.

Grade Sheet/Rubric for Pharmacology Case Studies

Student Name:

Part One [25 points]
Instructions Points
 Cite the drug and drug class that is the best choice for this patient at this time: X/15
Drug: Atorvastatin; Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (Statin)
*Stop taking pravastatin*
https://www.epocrates.com/online/drugs/878/atorvastatin#pharmacology
 Cite the name of the medicine you will prescribe and its MOA: X/9
Atorvastatin (brand name: Lipitor) Mechanism of Action: Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase,
the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. This leads to decreased LDL cholesterol,
total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increased HDL cholesterol
https://www.epocrates.com/online/drugs/878/atorvastatin#pharmacology
 If there was data from the patient’s history or exam that was relevant to choosing X/1
this agent, cite those here:
LDL is 225 mg/dL which is very high; triglycerides 273; total cholesterol: 317. Patient has
type 2 diabetes which increases overall cardiovascular risk. ASCVD risk is high and it is
recommended that he be placed on a high intensity statin. He does not have a statin
intolerance, as he is currently on pravastatin and no reactions have been reported. LFT is
normal. Patient is male, so there is no contraindication for pregnancy.
https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/
Parker, P. (2019). Cardiac and Renal Medications - Drugs for Hyperlipidemia [PowerPoint slides]. UT Arlington.
Parker, P. (2019). Cardiac and Renal Medications - Drugs for Hyperlipidemia Parts 1-3. Canvas Studio. UT Arlington


Part Two [35 points]
Instructions Points
 Labs/Diagnostics needed before starting this drug? Any ongoing lab monitoring or X/2
diagnostics need while the patient is on this medication?
Before starting (baseline): Cr, liver function tests, lipid panel, creatine kinase;
Ongoing monitoring: Lipid panel: 4–12 weeks after initiation, then every 3–12 months;
LFTs: If clinically indicated (e.g., symptoms of liver dysfunction), monitor for muscle
symptoms (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis)
https://www.epocrates.com/online/drugs/878/atorvastatin#safety-monitoring
Parker, P. (2019). Cardiac and Renal Medications - Drugs for Hyperlipidemia [PowerPoint slides]. UT Arlington.
Parker, P. (2019). Cardiac and Renal Medications - Drugs for Hyperlipidemia Parts 1-3. Canvas Studio. UT Arlington
 Black Box Warning for this Medication? X/3
There are no black box warnings for atorvastatin
https://www.epocrates.com/online/drugs/878/atorvastatin#adult-dosing
 Contraindications? X/2
hypersensitivity to drug or ingredient; pregnancy; myopathy; decompensated cirrhosis;
acute hepatic failure; avoid breastfeeding
Cautions: alcohol abuse, pts 65 yo and older, pts of childbearing potential, renal
impairment, hepatic dz hx, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, uncontrolled, high-dose use,
rhabdomyolysis risk, stroke w/in 6mo, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy hx
https://www.epocrates.com/online/drugs/878/atorvastatin#contraindications-cautions
 ADEs X/10
myopathy; immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy; tendon rupture; rhabdomyolysis;
acute renal failure; hepatotoxicity; pancreatitis; hypersensitivity rxn; anaphylaxis;
photosensitivity; toxic epidermal necrolysis; erythema multiforme; Stevens-Johnson
syndrome; thrombocytopenia; leukopenia; hemolytic anemia; diabetes mellitus; interstitial
lung dz; hemorrhagic stroke (high-dose use); myasthenia gravis
https://www.epocrates.com/online/drugs/878/atorvastatin#adverse-reactions
 Common Side Effects X/10
URI; headache; arthralgia; diarrhea; UTI; extremity pain; dyspepsia; nausea;
musculoskeletal pain; muscle spasms; myalgia; insomnia; pharyngolaryngeal pain;
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-02-2025 21:23:51 GMT -05:00


https://www.coursehero.com/file/251420363/Cardiac-Rx-Case-Atorvastatindocx/