A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking simvastatin to treat hyperlipidemia. Which statement made by the client describes an adverse effect of the medication that should be reported to the provider immediately?
"I've had gas pains for the last day."
"I've had a headache for a couple of days."
"I have occasional constipation."
"My legs feel weak, and I get pain in my calves."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Gas pains, while uncomfortable, are not typically a serious adverse effect of simvastatin and do not usually require immediate medical attention unless they are severe or persistent.
Choice B Reason:
Headaches are a common side effect of many medications, including simvastatin, and are not generally considered an emergency. However, if the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice C Reason:
Occasional constipation is another common side effect and is not usually a cause for immediate concern unless it becomes severe or chronic.
Choice D Reason:
Muscle weakness and pain, especially in the calves, can be a sign of a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare but serious adverse effect of statins like simvastatin. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney damage. It should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Stopping NSAIDs is crucial for clients with PUD because NSAIDs can cause injury to the lining of the stomach or intestine, making it more vulnerable to damage from stomach acid. This can lead to the development or exacerbation of ulcers.
Choice B Reason:
Continuing aspirin may not be advisable for clients with PUD, as aspirin is an NSAID and can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the protective mucosal layer, and increasing susceptibility to injury.
Choice C Reason:
Limiting caffeine is recommended for clients with PUD. Caffeine stimulates gastric acid secretion, which can exacerbate ulcer symptoms and impede the healing process.
Choice D Reason:
Avoiding alcohol is advised for clients with PUD. While there is mixed evidence on alcohol directly causing stomach ulcers, heavy alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for developing stomach ulcers and can worsen the symptoms of existing ulcers.
Choice E Reason:
Eating large meals is not recommended for clients with PUD. It is better to eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overfilling the stomach and increasing gastric pressure, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Warming the hands with water before testing is actually a recommended practice. It helps increase blood flow to the fingertips, making it easier to get a sufficient blood sample for testing. Cold hands can restrict blood flow, leading to difficulty in obtaining a blood sample and potentially inaccurate results.
Choice b reason:
Alternating fingers for blood glucose testing is also a recommended practice. It helps prevent soreness and calluses on the fingers from repeated pricks. Using different fingers or different sides of the same finger can help reduce pain and potential damage to the skin.
Choice c reason:
Choosing the center of the finger pad as a puncture site is not recommended. The sides of the fingertips are preferred because they have fewer nerve endings, making the process less painful. The center of the finger pad has a denser nerve supply and can lead to more discomfort during the test.
Choice d reason:
A random blood glucose result of 115 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range for non-diabetics, which is typically between 70 to 99 mg/dL when fasting. For someone with diabetes, this result might be considered within a target range, depending on individual treatment goals set by healthcare providers. However, it's important to note that a single glucose reading does not provide a complete picture of glucose control. An A1C test, which reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, is also necessary to assess overall glucose management.
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