Which of the following symptoms reported by a patient taking lovastatin should the nurse prioritize for immediate follow-up?

Choice A rationale

Keeping the infant home from daycare for the next two days after vaccination is not necessary unless the child is showing signs of serious side effects, which are rare. Most vaccines have mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, which should not interfere with the child’s daily activities.

Choice B rationale

Applying a cool, damp cloth or a cool pack to the injection site can help reduce redness, soreness, and/or swelling. This is a common practice recommended by healthcare professionals to alleviate discomfort after vaccination.

Choice C rationale

It is not recommended to administer aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and brain. Instead, if the child is uncomfortable or has a fever, parents can consult with a healthcare provider about giving a non-aspirin pain reliever.

Choice D rationale

While any level of fever after vaccination should be monitored, it is not always serious and should not cause panic. Fevers are a common side effect of vaccinations and are usually a sign that the body is building protection against the virus or bacteria in the vaccine. However, if a high fever persists or the child shows signs of an allergic reaction, parents should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Choice A rationale

While substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks can be a healthy dietary change, it is not directly related to the patient’s reported symptoms of severe pain and inability to bear weight on the right ankle.

Choice B rationale

Avoiding the consumption of wine, beer, and coffee can have various health benefits, but it is not directly related to the patient’s current symptoms. Furthermore, there is no indication in the patient’s history that these beverages are contributing to the patient’s condition.

Choice C rationale

Using an electric heating pad when pain is at its worst can provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue causing the pain. Additionally, heat therapy is not typically recommended for acute gout attacks, which could be a potential cause of the patient’s symptoms given their history of gouty arthritis.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging active range of motion can help to limit stiffness and improve joint function, which could potentially alleviate the patient’s pain and improve their ability to bear weight on the right ankle. This advice is relevant to the patient’s symptoms and medical history.