A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem?
Muscle tenderness.
Nausea and vomiting.
Excessive bruising.
Peripheral edema.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Muscle tenderness is a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious adverse effect of atorvastatin and other statins. Myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness, pain, and elevated CK levels. CK is an enzyme that is released when muscle tissue is damaged. The nurse should monitor the client for muscle tenderness and report any changes to the prescriber.
Choice B reason: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of atorvastatin, but they are not related to CK levels. The nurse should advise the client to take the medication with food and fluids to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Choice C reason: Excessive bruising is not a typical side effect of atorvastatin, nor is it associated with CK levels. The nurse should assess the client for other possible causes of bleeding, such as coagulation disorders, trauma, or drug interactions.
Choice D reason: Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not related to CK levels. The nurse should assess the client for other signs of fluid retention, such as weight gain, shortness of breath, or jugular venous distension. The nurse should also check the client's blood pressure and heart rate, as peripheral edema may indicate heart failure or hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is b. Liver function laboratory results.
Choice A reason:
Weight change in the last month can be an important factor to consider for a patient's overall health and may be relevant in the context of depression, as significant weight changes can be a symptom of this condition. However, it is not the most critical piece of information before prescribing duloxetine. Duloxetine is not primarily metabolized by the kidneys, and while weight can affect dosing and efficacy, it is not the most crucial factor to consider before starting treatment.
Choice B reason:
Liver function laboratory results are crucial to obtain before prescribing duloxetine because duloxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver. The prescribing information for duloxetine warns of the potential for hepatotoxicity, and hepatic failure has been reported in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the patient's liver function is normal before initiating therapy with duloxetine, as impaired liver function could lead to increased levels of the medication in the body and a higher risk of side effects.
Choice C reason:
Recent use of other antidepressants is important to consider avoiding drug interactions, particularly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can lead to serious, life-threatening side effects if taken together with duloxetine. While this information is important, it is not as critical as liver function, because the primary concern with other antidepressants is the timing of medication changes rather than an absolute contraindication.
Choice D reason:
A family history of mental illness can provide valuable information for understanding a patient's background and potential genetic predispositions to certain conditions. However, this information does not directly impact the safety and initial prescribing of duloxetine. It may be more relevant for long-term treatment considerations and prognosis rather than immediate prescription safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Stopping the oral contraceptive immediately is not necessary, as it may cause irregular bleeding, hormonal imbalance, or unwanted pregnancy. The client should continue taking the oral contraceptive as prescribed, but use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms or spermicides, while taking erythromycin.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is not related to the interaction between oral contraceptive and erythromycin. This instruction may be relevant for other antibiotics, such as tetracyclines or sulfonamides, that can cause photosensitivity and increase the risk of sunburn. The client should protect the skin from sun exposure as part of general health promotion, but it is not specific to erythromycin therapy.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Taking the medications at least 12 hours apart is not sufficient to prevent the interaction between oral contraceptive and erythromycin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptive by increasing its metabolism and clearance. The client should take the medications as prescribed, but use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms or spermicides, while taking erythromycin.
Choice D reason: This is the correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Using an additional form of contraception is the best way to prevent pregnancy while taking erythromycin and oral contraceptive. Erythromycin can decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptive by increasing its metabolism and clearance. The client should use a barrier method or a spermicide, in addition to the oral contraceptive, while taking erythromycin and for at least one week after finishing the antibiotic course.
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