A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client.

Exhibits

The nurse is preparing to discharge the client. Which of the following statements by the client indicate an understanding of the discharge teaching?

Select all that apply.

Choice A reason

Weight loss is not the correct answer: Weight loss is not a common side effect of simvastatin. In fact, weight loss is generally not associated with statin use. If the client experiences significant, unintentional weight loss, it may indicate another underlying issue that should be reported to the provider.

Choice B reason:

Muscle weakness is the correct answer. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report any muscle weakness to the healthcare provider when taking simvastatin. Simvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While statins are generally well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause muscle-related side effects, including muscle weakness or pain.

Rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibres, is a rare but serious side effect of statin use. Muscle weakness may be an early sign of this condition. Therefore, if the client experiences any unexplained or persistent muscle weakness while taking simvastatin, it should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice C reason

Fever is not the correct answer: Fever is not a common side effect of simvastatin. If the client develops a fever while taking simvastatin, it is more likely to be related to another condition and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.

Choice D reason:

Edema is the correct answer: Edema (swelling) is not a common side effect of simvastatin. If the client experiences significant edema, especially in the extremities, it may indicate another underlying issue that should be reported to the provider.

The correct answer is choice A, administer a fluid bolus.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a fluid bolus is appropriate when a client’s urine output is low, which in this case is less than the minimum expected output of 30 mL/hr. The dark yellow color of the urine also suggests dehydration or concentrated urine, which can be addressed with increased fluid intake.

Choice B rationale:

Initiating continuous bladder irrigation is typically done to clear the urinary tract of blood clots or debris following urologic surgery, not for low urine output or dark urine. Therefore, this intervention is not indicated based on the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is an action taken when there is a suspicion of a urinary tract infection. The scenario does not provide evidence of infection, such as fever or cloudy urine with a strong odor, so this would not be the first intervention to anticipate.

Choice D rationale:

Clamping the catheter tubing is done in preparation for catheter removal or to assess if the client can void without the catheter. It is not an appropriate intervention for low urine output or dark urine and could potentially cause bladder distention or discomfort.