Question

The nurse is administering cholestyramine (Question), a bile acid sequestrate. Which nursing intervention(s) is appropriate? select all that apply

a. Administering the drug on an empty stomach
b. Administering the drug with meals
c. Instructing the patient to follow a low-fiber diet while taking this drug
d. Instructing the patient to take a fiber supplement while taking this drug
e. Increasing fluid intake
f. Not administering this drug at the same time as other drugs

Answer 1

Appropriate nursing interventions for cholestyramine include administering it with meals, suggesting a fibre supplement and increased fluid intake, and not administering it simultaneously with other drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant, appropriate nursing interventions include:

• Administering the drug with meals to increase its effectiveness in binding bile and reducing cholesterol.
• Instructing the patient to take a fibre supplement while taking this drug as cholestyramine can decrease dietary fibre absorption, and constipation is a common side effect.
• Increasing fluid intake to help alleviate constipation caused by the drug.
• Ensuring to not administer this drug at the same time as other drugs, as cholestyramine can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, leading to reduced efficacy.

The drug should not be administered on an empty stomach, and it does not necessitate a low-fibre diet; in fact, additional fibre may be beneficial.