A patient who has recently started taking simvastatin (Zocor) reports several symptoms to the nurse. Which assessment finding is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
Decrease in LDL cholesterol from last visit.
Generalized muscle aches.
Nausea when taking the medication on an empty stomach
Clear, light yellow urine output
The Correct Answer is B
A. A decrease in LDL cholesterol is a desired effect of simvastatin and does not indicate a problem.
B. Generalized muscle aches are a significant concern for patients on statin medications, such as simvastatin. This can be indicative of a serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and can lead to kidney damage. This should be communicated to the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and possible discontinuation of the medication.
C. Nausea when taking the medication on an empty stomach is a common side effect and may be addressed with guidance on when to take the medication.
D. Clear, light yellow urine is normal and does not require further action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While an ECG can provide insight into the function of the heart, it does not directly measure the pumping strength.
B. The primary purpose of an ECG is to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It measures the timing and strength of electrical signals as they move through the heart muscle, which helps diagnose arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and other cardiac conditions.
C. An ECG does not evaluate coronary artery blood flow. Tests like coronary angiography or stress tests are used for that purpose.
D. An ECG does not provide a visualization of the heart's size or shape, which would be done through imaging methods like a chest X-ray or echocardiogram.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bilateral lower extremity reddening when legs are dangled could be seen in other conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) but is not typical of CVI.
B. Shiny white skin with "hole-punch" ulcers is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency.
C. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by impaired venous return, which leads to fluid buildup, skin changes, and ulcer formation. The skin becomes leathery and brown due to hemosiderin deposition from blood pooling in the lower extremities. Ulcers often occur around the ankles and have irregular borders.
D. Red, swollen, tender areas in one calf are more indicative of DVT, not chronic venous insufficiency.
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