Chapter 28: Antilipemic Drugs
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Cholestyramine (Novo-Cholamine®) and colestipol (Colestid®) are most effective in the treatment of
which type of hyperlipoproteinemia?
a. Type V
b. Mixed
c. All types
d. Type II
ANS: D
Bile acid sequestrants may be used as primary or adjunct drug therapy in the management of type II
(both IIa and IIb)
hyperlipoproteinemia.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
2. A patient is receiving an antilipemic drug. The nurse should tell the patient to do what in regard to
this medication?
a. Begin a vigorous aerobic exercise program.
b. Eat extra servings of raw vegetables and fruit.
c. If a once-a-day dosage regimen is used, take the medication in the morning.
d. To maximize drug absorption, take the medication 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
ANS: B
Extra servings of raw vegetables, bran, and fruits help to prevent constipation, a possible adverse effect
of the medication.
, DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
3. What should be a patient be told to do to minimize the undesirable adverse effects of nicotinic acid?
a. Take the drug on an empty stomach.
b. Start off with a high initial dosage.
c. Take small doses of Aspirin with the drug.
d. Take the drug with large amounts of fibre.
ANS: C
The adverse effects of nicotinic acid can be minimized by taking small doses of Aspirin with the drug to
minimize cutaneous flushing. Adverse effects can also be minimized by starting with a low initial dose
and gradually increasing the dose and also by taking the drug with meals. “Take the drug with large
amounts of fibre” is an incorrect answer.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
4. A patient reports that the cholestyramine resin powder (Olestyr®) that was started yesterday
clumps and sticks to the glass when being mixed. What is the nurse’s best suggestion to the patient for
mixing this medication for administration?
a. Use a carbonated soft drink to dissolve the powder faster.
b. Add the powder to any liquid and stir vigorously to dissolve it quickly.
c. Mix the powder with food or with 120 to 180 mL of fluid.
d. Sprinkle the powder into a spoon and take it dry, followed with a glass of water.
ANS: C
The cholestyramine powder should be mixed thoroughly with food or fluids (at least 120 to 180 mL of
fluid). The powder may not mix completely at first, but patients need to be sure to mix the dose as
much as possible and then dilute any undissolved portion with additional fluid.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Cholestyramine (Novo-Cholamine®) and colestipol (Colestid®) are most effective in the treatment of
which type of hyperlipoproteinemia?
a. Type V
b. Mixed
c. All types
d. Type II
ANS: D
Bile acid sequestrants may be used as primary or adjunct drug therapy in the management of type II
(both IIa and IIb)
hyperlipoproteinemia.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
2. A patient is receiving an antilipemic drug. The nurse should tell the patient to do what in regard to
this medication?
a. Begin a vigorous aerobic exercise program.
b. Eat extra servings of raw vegetables and fruit.
c. If a once-a-day dosage regimen is used, take the medication in the morning.
d. To maximize drug absorption, take the medication 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
ANS: B
Extra servings of raw vegetables, bran, and fruits help to prevent constipation, a possible adverse effect
of the medication.
, DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
3. What should be a patient be told to do to minimize the undesirable adverse effects of nicotinic acid?
a. Take the drug on an empty stomach.
b. Start off with a high initial dosage.
c. Take small doses of Aspirin with the drug.
d. Take the drug with large amounts of fibre.
ANS: C
The adverse effects of nicotinic acid can be minimized by taking small doses of Aspirin with the drug to
minimize cutaneous flushing. Adverse effects can also be minimized by starting with a low initial dose
and gradually increasing the dose and also by taking the drug with meals. “Take the drug with large
amounts of fibre” is an incorrect answer.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
4. A patient reports that the cholestyramine resin powder (Olestyr®) that was started yesterday
clumps and sticks to the glass when being mixed. What is the nurse’s best suggestion to the patient for
mixing this medication for administration?
a. Use a carbonated soft drink to dissolve the powder faster.
b. Add the powder to any liquid and stir vigorously to dissolve it quickly.
c. Mix the powder with food or with 120 to 180 mL of fluid.
d. Sprinkle the powder into a spoon and take it dry, followed with a glass of water.
ANS: C
The cholestyramine powder should be mixed thoroughly with food or fluids (at least 120 to 180 mL of
fluid). The powder may not mix completely at first, but patients need to be sure to mix the dose as
much as possible and then dilute any undissolved portion with additional fluid.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
