A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem?
Peripheral edema.
Muscle tenderness.
Nausea and vomiting.
Excessive bruising.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not related to increased CK levels. CK is an enzyme that is released when muscle tissue is damaged. Peripheral edema is more likely to be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, or venous insufficiency.
Choice B reason: Muscle tenderness is a sign of myopathy, which is a rare but serious adverse effect of atorvastatin. Myopathy is a condition where muscle fibers are damaged and inflamed, leading to muscle weakness and pain. Increased CK levels indicate muscle injury and can be a marker of myopathy. The nurse should monitor the client for muscle symptoms and report them to the prescriber.
Choice C reason: Nausea and vomiting are common gastrointestinal side effects of atorvastatin, but they are not associated with increased CK levels. Nausea and vomiting can be managed by taking the medication with food or reducing the dose.
Choice D reason: Excessive bruising is not a typical side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not linked to increased CK levels. Excessive bruising can be caused by bleeding disorders, anticoagulant therapy, or trauma. The nurse should assess the client for other signs of bleeding, such as hematuria, hematemesis, or melena.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason: Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia, or low RBC count, which can be caused by CKD, chemotherapy, HIV infection, or other conditions. Anemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and chest pain. Hemoglobin is the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen throughout the body. The normal range of hemoglobin for males is 14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L). Therefore, an increase in hemoglobin from below normal to within normal indicates that epoetin alfa has been effective in increasing RBC production and improving oxygen delivery. The nurse should monitor the client's hemoglobin level regularly and adjust the dose of epoetin alfa as needed.
Choice A reason: Reporting increased energy levels and decreased fatigue is not a finding that best indicates that the medication is effective, but rather a subjective and nonspecific indicator that may or may not reflect the actual improvement in RBC count or hemoglobin level. Energy levels and fatigue can be influenced by many factors, such as sleep quality, nutrition, exercise, stress, mood, and other medical conditions. The nurse should ask the client to report any changes in their symptoms of anemia, but also verify them with objective and reliable measurements, such as hemoglobin level.
Choice C reason: Showing increased consumption of iron-rich foods is not a finding that best indicates that the medication is effective, but rather a supportive measure that can enhance the response to epoetin alfa. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin and is necessary for RBC production. Iron deficiency can cause or worsen anemia. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to eat foods that are high in iron, such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals.
Choice D reason: Taking concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects is not a finding that best indicates that the medication is effective, but rather a preventive measure that can reduce the risk of iron deficiency and improve the efficacy of epoetin alfa. Iron therapy refers to taking oral or intravenous iron supplements to increase iron levels in the blood. Iron therapy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dark stools, metallic taste, or allergic reactions. The nurse should instruct the client on how to take iron therapy safely and monitor for any adverse effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Breast feeding is not recommended while taking this medication, as isotretinoin can pass into breast milk and harm
the nursing infant. However, this information is not as important as choice d, as the client may not be breast feeding or planning to breast feed.
Choice B reason: Baseline liver function results must be obtained during therapy, as isotretinoin can cause liver damage and increase liver enzymes. However, this information is not as important as choice d, as the client may not have liver problems or need liver function tests.
Choice C reason: Do not take multiple vitamins that contain vitamin A while taking this drug, as isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and can cause vitamin A toxicity if taken in excess. However, this information is not as important as choice d, as the client may not take multiple vitamins or have vitamin A toxicity.
Choice D reason: Discontinue this medication one month before attempting to conceive, as isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects and miscarriages if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, this information is most important for the nurse to provide this client, as the client is planning to become pregnant and should avoid isotretinoin exposure.
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