An older female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has increased her daily doses of acetaminophen for the past month to control joint pain. Based on this patient's comment, which previous laboratory results should the nurse compare with today's laboratory report?

A) 40-year-old female with frequent vaginal infections: Simvastatin is a medication used primarily to manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Frequent vaginal infections are not directly related to cholesterol levels or cardiovascular risk. Therefore, this client is unlikely to benefit from education about simvastatin.
B) A 50-year-old male with a history of angina: Simvastatin is a statin medication prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Since angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease, a condition often related to high cholesterol levels, this client would benefit from education about simvastatin, which can help manage cholesterol and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk.
C) An 18-year-old pregnant female with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Statins, including simvastatin, are generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Additionally, this client’s primary condition of type 1 diabetes mellitus would not typically be managed with simvastatin alone. Therefore, this client is not the target for simvastatin education.
D) A 75-year-old male with bone cancer: While simvastatin is used for managing cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events, bone cancer is not directly related to cholesterol levels. The primary focus for this client would be managing cancer-related symptoms and treatments rather than cholesterol levels. Thus, this client would not benefit from education about simvastatin.

A. Obtain a platelet count weekly: Regular monitoring of platelet counts is important for clients on methotrexate due to the risk of bone marrow suppression and potential thrombocytopenia. This instruction is appropriate and necessary.
B. Take the medication during pregnancy: Methotrexate is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects and potential to cause fetal harm. It is crucial for clients to avoid using methotrexate while pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
C. Use folic acid to protect the liver: While folic acid is often used to help reduce the side effects of methotrexate, particularly its gastrointestinal effects and potential for liver toxicity, it is not used to "protect the liver" per se. The correct approach is to use folic acid as directed by a healthcare provider, often to mitigate some of the side effects of methotrexate.
D. Store the medication at room temperature: Methotrexate should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually involve keeping it at room temperature. This information is correct and does not require additional instruction.