The nurse teaches the client taking atorvastatin to call the health care provider (HCP) if experiencing which symptom associated with a serious adverse effect of atorvastatin?

Question

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Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin drug, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. A serious adverse effect of statins, including atorvastatin and rosuvastatin (Crestor), is myopathy with ongoing generalized muscle aches and weakness. A client who develops muscle aches while on a statin drug should call the HCP who will then obtain a blood sample to assess the creatine kinase (CK) level. If myopathy is present, CK will be significantly elevated (≥10x normal), and the drug will then be discontinued. (Option A) Diarrhea is not a side effect of statin drugs. Colchicine used for gout and acute pericarditis commonly leads to diarrhea. Many antibiotics can induce diarrhea, and some may cause Clostridium difficile infection. (Option B) Headache is not a serious side effect of statin drugs. It is often a bothersome side effect of nitrates and calcium channel blockers as they dilate intracranial vessels; however, tolerance usually develops over time. (Option D) Numbness in the feet (neuropathy) is not a common side effect of statin drugs. It is commonly associated with isoniazid, amiodarone, and chemotherapy agents (eg, vincristine, cisplatin). Educational objective: The client taking a statin such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin should be taught to call the HCP if generalized muscle aches develop as this may be a symptom of myopathy, a serious adverse effect of this type of medication.

The Nurse Teaches the Client Taking Atorvastatin to Call the Health