Generic Name
Atorvastatin
Trade Name
Lipitor
Indication
Management of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Action
Lowers total cholesterol as well as LDL while slightly increasing HDL. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in the liver in cholesterol formation
Therapeutic Class
Lipid-lowering agent
Pharmacologic Class
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Similar Medications
Simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Nursing Considerations
• Contraindicated in active liver disease
• May cause rhabdomyolysis
• Monitor renal function
• Monitor serum cholesterol before, about 4 weeks after starting, and fre-
quently during drug therapy
• Monitor liver function tests
• Instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
Cornell Note-Taking System Instructions:
- Record: During the lecture, use the note-taking column to record the lecture using telegraphic sentences.
- Questions: As soon after class as possible, formulate questions based onthe notes in the right-hand column. Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later.
- Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the question and cue column only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue-words.
- Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for example: “What’s the significance of these facts? What principle are they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I already know? What’s beyond them?
- Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your previous notes. If you do, you’ll retain a great deal for current use, as well as, for the exam.
For more information, visit www.nrsng.com/cornell
