Final Answer:
Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) is a statin used to manage lipid levels, primarily targeting the cardiovascular system by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. It's not a high alert medication. Nurses should monitor liver function, educate on heart-healthy lifestyles, and be cautious with potential adverse effects and contraindications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rosuvastatin Calcium, marketed as Crestor, belongs to the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor class, commonly known as statins. Statins play a crucial role in managing lipid levels by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Specifically, rosuvastatin targets the cardiovascular system, acting on LDL cholesterol production. It enhances the hepatic uptake of LDL cholesterol while concurrently increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol. This dual effect contributes to its anti-atherosclerotic properties, making it effective in conditions such as hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
However, caution is warranted in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, and individuals of Asian descent may have an elevated risk of myopathy. Contraindications include active liver disease, pregnancy, and hypersensitivity to rosuvastatin. Adverse effects range from myopathy and rhabdomyolysis to liver enzyme abnormalities, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Nursing implications encompass diligent monitoring of liver and renal function, prompt reporting of myopathy signs, and education for patients on heart-healthy lifestyles. The medication's high efficacy necessitates careful assessment and management, with attention to potential drug interactions. This comprehensive approach ensures safe administration and optimal therapeutic outcomes.