Question

The patient is receiving gemfibrozil (Lopid). The nurse has completed discharge instructions about this medication. The nurse recognizes that teaching has been effective when the patient makes which statement?

1. "I should take this medication on an empty stomach to help it absorb better."
2. "I must take this medication with food or I can have heartburn."
3. "My doctor said it really doesn't matter how I take this medication."
4. "Taking this medication with yogurt will help it to absorb better."

Answer 1

The correct statement after discharge instructions for a patient receiving gemfibrozil is that taking the medication with food can help prevent heartburn. Option 2 reflects the accurate way to take this medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement reflecting effective teaching for a patient receiving gemfibrozil is, "I must take this medication with food or I can have heartburn." Therefore, option 2 is the accurate choice. Gemfibrozil, a fibrate medication used primarily to treat abnormal blood lipid levels, should indeed be taken with meals to decrease gastrointestinal side effects like heartburn and to enhance absorption. Patients who have been prescribed gemfibrozil are typically dealing with high triglyceride levels and may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. It is crucial to follow the prescription instructions carefully to increase the medication's effectiveness and to minimize potential side effects.