A nurse is assessing a client who has hypercholesterolemia and is receiving simvastatin. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential adverse effect?
Blurred vision
Orthostatic hypotension
Urinary retention
Muscle weakness
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Blurred vision is not a common or serious side effect of simvastatin, as it does not affect the eyes or the vision. Blurred vision may be caused by other factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, or eye disorders.
Choice B reason: Orthostatic hypotension is not a common or serious side effect of simvastatin, as it does not affect the blood pressure or the vascular tone. Orthostatic hypotension may be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, anemia, or medication interactions.
Choice C reason: Urinary retention is not a common or serious side effect of simvastatin, as it does not affect the urinary tract or the bladder function. Urinary retention may be caused by other factors, such as prostate enlargement, infection, or nerve damage.
Choice D reason: Muscle weakness is a common and serious side effect of simvastatin, as it can indicate muscle damage or rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition that causes the breakdown of muscle tissue and the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney failure. Muscle weakness may be accompanied by muscle pain, tenderness, or dark urine. The nurse should monitor the client's creatine kinase (CK) levels and report any signs of muscle damage to the provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Warfarin PO is not a suitable medication for DVT prophylaxis in the immediate postoperative period, as it has a slow onset of action and requires frequent monitoring of the INR (international normalized ratio). Warfarin may be used for long-term anticoagulation, but it is not effective for preventing the formation of new clots.
Choice B reason: Enoxaparin subcutaneous is a suitable medication for DVT prophylaxis in the immediate postoperative period, as it has a rapid onset of action and does not require frequent monitoring of the coagulation status. Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin that inhibits the formation of thrombin and prevents the growth of existing clots.
Choice C reason: Aspirin PO is not a suitable medication for DVT prophylaxis in the immediate postoperative period, as it has a weak anticoagulant effect and may increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits the aggregation of platelets and prevents the formation of arterial clots, but it is not effective for preventing venous clots.
Choice D reason: Heparin infusion is not a suitable medication for DVT prophylaxis in the immediate postoperative period, as it requires continuous intravenous administration and frequent monitoring of the aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time). Heparin is an unfractionated heparin that inhibits the formation of thrombin and prevents the growth of existing clots, but it has a narrow therapeutic window and a high risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bradycardia is not an indication of circulatory overload. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. Circulatory overload causes the heart to work harder to pump the excess fluid in the blood vessels, which can result in tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, usually above 100 beats per minute.
Choice B reason: Flushing is not an indication of circulatory overload. Flushing is a reddening of the skin, usually due to increased blood flow or inflammation. Circulatory overload causes the blood vessels to constrict and increase the blood pressure, which can result in pallor, or a pale appearance of the skin.
Choice C reason: Vomiting is not an indication of circulatory overload. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, usually due to nausea, infection, or irritation. Circulatory overload does not affect the gastrointestinal system directly, although it may cause abdominal distension or ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Choice D reason: Dyspnea is an indication of circulatory overload. Dyspnea is the sensation of difficulty breathing, usually due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the tissues. Circulatory overload causes the excess fluid in the blood vessels to leak into the lungs, which can result in pulmonary edema, or the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli. This impairs the gas exchange and causes hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the blood.
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