A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem?

Choice A reason: Checking the client's capillary glucose level is not relevant to this finding, as acetaminophen does not affect blood glucose levels. The yellow color of the skin may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose or toxicity.

Choice B reason: Advising the client to reduce the medication dose is not sufficient to address this finding, as acetaminophen can cause irreversible liver damage if taken in excess or for prolonged periods. The client may need immediate medical attention and treatment with an antidote such as N-acetylcysteine.

Choice C reason: Reporting the finding to the healthcare provider is the appropriate action to take, as the yellow color of the skin may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver failure caused by acetaminophen overdose or toxicity. The healthcare provider can order further tests and interventions to assess and treat the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Using a pulse oximeter to assess oxygen saturation is not related to this finding, as acetaminophen does not affect oxygen levels. The yellow color of the skin may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver dysfunction caused by acetaminophen overdose or toxicity.

Choice A reason: Determining when the last dose was administered is important to ensure safe and effective pain management, but it is not the first action that the nurse should implement. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity before deciding on the appropriate dose and frequency of pain medication.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain perception and anxiety, but it is not sufficient to address severe or acute pain. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity before suggesting any complementary or alternative therapies.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale is the first action that the nurse should implement, as it can help quantify and communicate the client's pain experience and guide the nurse's decision on pain medication. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain scale that is appropriate for the client's age, cognitive ability, and language preference.

Choice D reason: Reviewing the history for a past use of recreational drugs is relevant to assess the client's risk of addiction or tolerance to pain medication, but it is not the first action that the nurse should implement. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity before considering any factors that may influence pain management.