The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a stable patient admitted after a motor vehicle accident.
The patient reports having bad pain.
What will the nurse do first?

Choice A rationale

While nicotine use is a health concern, it does not directly relate to the safety of atorvastatin (Lipitor). However, smoking cessation is advisable for overall cardiovascular health.

Choice B rationale

Caffeine intake is not a primary concern related to the safety of atorvastatin. Monitoring other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise is more relevant.

Choice C rationale

Herbal therapy may interact with atorvastatin, but the primary safety concern is alcohol intake, which can increase the risk of liver damage when combined with atorvastatin.

Choice D rationale

Alcohol consumption is a significant concern when taking atorvastatin, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Patients are advised to limit alcohol intake to prevent adverse effects. .

Choice A rationale

Barrier contraceptives are recommended for women taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors due to the potential teratogenic effects of these drugs. This precaution is crucial as these medications can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

While ophthalmic examinations may be important for other medications, they are not a primary concern for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These drugs mainly affect cholesterol synthesis and have less direct impact on vision.

Choice C rationale

Although a cholesterol-lowering diet is beneficial, it is not the primary teaching point when discussing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The emphasis should be on medication adherence and managing potential adverse effects.

Choice D rationale

Reporting respiratory symptoms is important for many medications but is not the primary focus for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The priority is to inform patients about the importance of contraception and potential side effects related to the medication.