A patient is taking ACEl enalapril Vasotec. The nurse understands that patients taking this type of drug for hypertension need to be monitored carefully for:

Choice A reason: Anuria, which is the absence of urine production, is not a typical symptom of acute pyelonephritis. This condition usually presents with symptoms related to inflammation and infection of the kidneys rather than complete cessation of urine output.

Choice B reason: Edema, or swelling due to fluid accumulation, is more commonly associated with chronic kidney diseases or conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Acute pyelonephritis primarily involves an active infection and inflammation rather than fluid retention.

Choice C reason: Fever is a common and significant symptom of acute pyelonephritis. This condition is an infection of the kidneys that often presents with systemic signs of infection such as fever, chills, and malaise. Patients may also experience flank pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Choice D reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be seen in chronic kidney disease but is not a hallmark symptom of acute pyelonephritis. The acute infection of the kidneys primarily manifests with fever, pain, and urinary symptoms rather than elevated blood pressure.

Choice A reason: Dry mouth is a relatively minor side effect of statin medications and is generally not a cause for significant concern. While it can be uncomfortable and may affect oral health if persistent, it does not typically indicate a serious underlying condition.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea can be an inconvenient and uncomfortable side effect of statins, but it is not usually considered dangerous. It is important to manage it to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but it is not as concerning as some other side effects.

Choice C reason: Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is the most concerning side effect of statin medications like simvastatin. In rare cases, muscle pain can progress to a more serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage and, in severe cases, kidney failure. Therefore, any new or unexplained muscle pain should be promptly reported to a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Choice D reason: Headache is a common and generally mild side effect of many medications, including statins. While it can be bothersome, it is not typically indicative of a serious problem and is not considered as concerning as muscle pain related to statin use.