A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking simvastatin to treat hyperlipidemia. Which statement made by the client describes an adverse effect of the medication that should be reported to the provider immediately?
"I've had gas pains for the last day."
"I've had a headache for a couple of days."
"I have occasional constipation."
"My legs feel weak, and I get pain in my calves."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Gas pains, while uncomfortable, are not typically a serious adverse effect of simvastatin and do not usually require immediate medical attention unless they are severe or persistent.
Choice B Reason:
Headaches are a common side effect of many medications, including simvastatin, and are not generally considered an emergency. However, if the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice C Reason:
Occasional constipation is another common side effect and is not usually a cause for immediate concern unless it becomes severe or chronic.
Choice D Reason:
Muscle weakness and pain, especially in the calves, can be a sign of a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare but serious adverse effect of statins like simvastatin. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney damage. It should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating falls within the normal fasting blood glucose range, which is between 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL. Therefore, this finding is not a priority concern for a client taking prednisone.
Choice B Reason:
Gaining 5 pounds over 7 months is not typically a priority concern unless it is sudden or unexplained. Prednisone can cause fluid retention and weight gain as a common side effect, but this gradual weight change does not indicate an immediate health risk.
Choice C Reason:
Waking up with a fever is a priority finding as it may indicate an infection. Patients on prednisone are at increased risk of infections due to its immunosuppressive effects¹. Fever could also signify an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease or other complications.
Choice D Reason:
While insomnia is a common side effect of prednisone and can impact quality of life, it is not typically a priority over signs that could indicate infection or exacerbation of the underlying condition
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Providing information about available community resources is crucial for ongoing support and assistance. These resources can offer counseling, medical follow-up, legal advice, and other services that may be needed after such a traumatic event. Community resources play a vital role in the recovery process, offering a network of support and specialized services tailored to the needs of sexual assault survivors.
Choice B reason:
While it is important to know when to return to the ED for follow-up care, this is typically not the primary content of discharge instructions. Follow-up care is usually managed by primary care providers or specialists rather than the ED unless there are specific complications or concerns that need to be addressed immediately.
Choice C reason:
The names and phone numbers of local attorneys may be provided, but this is not standard for all discharge instructions. Legal support is important, but the immediate focus post-discharge is often on the survivor's physical and emotional well-being. Attorneys specializing in defending rape victims can be a part of the community resources provided to the survivor.
Choice D reason:
The phone number of a battered women's shelter or safe house may be included in discharge instructions, especially if there is an immediate need for safe accommodation. However, this is not the only resource that should be provided, and it is not specific to all cases of sexual assault.
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