What medication is a female client likely taking if she experiences recurrent hot flashes while treating her dyslipidemia?

The correct choice is niacin, as it is known to cause flushing and hot flashes as a common side effect. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used to help manage dyslipidemia by effectively lowering triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The flushing effect is due to the release of prostaglandins, which can lead to vasodilation and a warming sensation, commonly experienced as hot flashes.

In the context of this patient’s experience of recurrent hot flashes while treating dyslipidemia, niacin stands out because it is specifically associated with these symptoms. Patients may describe this as discomfort, especially if they are taking doses that effectively lower their lipid levels.

The other medications listed, such as cholestyramine, atorvastatin, and fenofibrate, do not typically cause flushing or hot flashes as side effects. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, atorvastatin is a statin that works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and fenofibrate improves lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL without causing the flushing seen with niacin. Hence, the symptoms described align closely with the pharmacological effects