A charge nurse is teaching new staff members about factors that increase a client’s risk to become violent.

Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the best predictor of future violence?

Choice A reason

Weight loss is not the correct answer: Weight loss is not a common side effect of simvastatin. In fact, weight loss is generally not associated with statin use. If the client experiences significant, unintentional weight loss, it may indicate another underlying issue that should be reported to the provider.

Choice B reason:

Muscle weakness is the correct answer. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report any muscle weakness to the healthcare provider when taking simvastatin. Simvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While statins are generally well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause muscle-related side effects, including muscle weakness or pain.

Rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibres, is a rare but serious side effect of statin use. Muscle weakness may be an early sign of this condition. Therefore, if the client experiences any unexplained or persistent muscle weakness while taking simvastatin, it should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice C reason

Fever is not the correct answer: Fever is not a common side effect of simvastatin. If the client develops a fever while taking simvastatin, it is more likely to be related to another condition and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.

Choice D reason:

Edema is the correct answer: Edema (swelling) is not a common side effect of simvastatin. If the client experiences significant edema, especially in the extremities, it may indicate another underlying issue that should be reported to the provider.

I will need to keep my hand elevated above my heart for several days.” This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected hand after carpal tunnel surgery.

Elevation promotes venous return and prevents fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Choice A is wrong because applying heat for the first 24 hours can increase blood flow and swelling in the hand, which can cause more pain and delay healing. Ice packs are recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce inflammation.

Choice B is wrong because the client should not avoid using the affected hand for 4 to 6 weeks, as this can lead to stiffness, muscle atrophy, and decreased range of motion. The client should move the fingers periodically and perform gentle exercises as prescribed by the surgeon or physical therapist.

Choice C is wrong because numbness and tingling in the hand are signs of nerve compression, which is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The client should expect these symptoms to improve or resolve after surgery, not persist or worsen. If the client experiences numbness and tingling after surgery, they should report it to the surgeon as it may indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma.

Normal ranges for grip strength, pinch strength, and keypinch strength vary depending on age, sex, and hand dominance. However, a general reference for grip strength is 20 to 40 kg for men and 15 to 30 kg for women. For pinch strength, it is 6 to 12 kg for men and 5 to 10 kg for women. For keypinch strength, it is 4 to 8 kg for men and 3 to 7 kg for women.

These values may be lower in older adults or people with chronic conditions.

The client should expect some loss of strength in the affected hand after surgery, but it should gradually improve with rehabilitation.