A client with a seizure disorder is seen at the clinic for a follow-up visit and a prescription renewal for phenytoin. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Choice A reason: Muscle tenderness is a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious adverse effect of atorvastatin and other statins. Myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness, pain, and elevated CK levels. CK is an enzyme that is released when muscle tissue is damaged. The nurse should monitor the client for muscle tenderness and report any changes to the prescriber.

Choice B reason: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of atorvastatin, but they are not related to CK levels. The nurse should advise the client to take the medication with food and fluids to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

Choice C reason: Excessive bruising is not a typical side effect of atorvastatin, nor is it associated with CK levels. The nurse should assess the client for other possible causes of bleeding, such as coagulation disorders, trauma, or drug interactions.

Choice D reason: Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not related to CK levels. The nurse should assess the client for other signs of fluid retention, such as weight gain, shortness of breath, or jugular venous distension. The nurse should also check the client's blood pressure and heart rate, as peripheral edema may indicate heart failure or hypertension.

Choice A reason: This is not the first action for the nurse to implement. Determining when the last dose was administered is important to prevent overdose and adverse effects of pain medication, but it is not the most immediate intervention. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity using a pain scale, such as a numeric or a visual analog scale, to determine the appropriate dose and frequency of pain medication.

Choice B reason: This is not the first action for the nurse to implement. Encouraging the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain is a nonpharmacological strategy that may help reduce the perception of pain and enhance coping, but it is not the most effective intervention. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity using a pain scale, and then provide pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions as needed.

Choice C reason: This is not the first action for the nurse to implement. Reviewing the history for a past use of recreational drugs is relevant to identify the risk of addiction, tolerance, or withdrawal from pain medication, but it is not the most urgent intervention. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity using a pain scale, and then consider the client's history and preferences when selecting the type and dose of pain medication.

Choice D reason: This is the first action for the nurse to implement. Asking the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale is the most appropriate and accurate way to assess the client's pain and its impact on the client's recovery and quality of life. The nurse should use a pain scale that is suitable for the client's age, cognitive ability, and language, and ask the client to rate the pain at rest and with movement. The nurse should also ask the client about the location, quality, duration, and aggravating or relieving factors of the pain. The nurse should use the pain assessment as the basis for planning and implementing pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for pain management.