A patient has begun taking an HMG-COA reductase inhibitor (statins). Which statement about this class of drugs made by the nurse during patient education would be inappropriate?

Choice A reason:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding high-fat foods is appropriate advice. Statins are more effective when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. This helps in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Choice B reason:
The statement that muscle pain is not concerning with statin use is inappropriate. Muscle pain can be a significant side effect of statins, known as myopathy, and in rare cases, it can lead to a more severe condition called rhabdomyolysis. Patients experiencing muscle pain should report it to their healthcare provider for evaluation and management.

Choice C reason:
Statins do reduce the risk of coronary events in people with diabetes and slightly elevated LDL levels. This is well-documented and an appropriate part of patient education, as statins are beneficial in preventing cardiovascular events in at-risk populations.

Choice D reason:
Statin use can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. This information should be part of patient education so that patients are aware of potential side effects and can manage them appropriately.

Choice A reason:
Viruses are known for their unique replication process. They cannot replicate independently and must hijack a host cell's machinery to reproduce. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding viruses and is a key concept in virology. By replicating their genetic material inside host cells, viruses ensure their propagation and survival. This answer is correct because it highlights this crucial aspect of viral biology.
Choice B reason:
This choice is incorrect because viruses are not easily killed by antimicrobials. Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, are typically effective against bacteria, not viruses. Viruses have different structures and replication mechanisms that make them resistant to these treatments. Instead, antiviral medications are needed to target viruses specifically.
Choice C reason:
This choice is also incorrect. Viruses do contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. This genetic material is essential for their replication and propagation. Some viruses have DNA, while others have RNA, and this distinction is one of the primary ways viruses are classified.
Choice D reason:
Viruses are not capable of independent reproduction. They rely entirely on infecting host cells to replicate. This dependence on host cells distinguishes them from other microorganisms like bacteria, which can reproduce on their own. Thus, this choice is incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the nature of viruses.