A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is starting simvastatin.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Change position slowly when rising from a chair.
Maintain a steady intake of green leafy vegetables.
Consume no more than 1 L/day of fluid.
Report any muscle pain or weakness to the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
Report any muscle pain or weakness to the healthcare provider. This is because simvastatin This is because simvastatin can cause a rare but serious side effect of muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to kidney failure. Muscle pain or weakness can be signs of muscle breakdown and kidney damage, and should be reported to the healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Choice A is wrong because changing position slowly when rising from a chair is not related to simvastatin. This is a precaution for people who take medications that lower blood pressure, such as diuretics or beta blockers, to prevent dizziness or fainting.
Choice B is wrong because maintaining a steady intake of green leafy vegetables is not specific to simvastatin. This is a general dietary recommendation for people who take anticoagulants, such as warfarin, to prevent bleeding complications.
Choice C is wrong because consuming no more than 1 L/day of fluid is not advised for people who take simvastatin. This is a restriction for people who have heart failure or kidney disease, to prevent fluid overload. People who take simvastatin should drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration, which can increase the risk of kidney damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are a class of drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and raise blood pressure. Examples of ARBs include losartan, valsartan, candesartan, and irbesartan.ARBs are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Choice A is wrong because calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of drugs that prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels, causing them to relax and lower blood pressure.
Examples of CCBs include amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine.CCBs are used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.
Choice B is wrong because beta blockers are a class of drugs that reduce the heart rate and force of contraction, lowering the cardiac output and blood pressure.
Examples of beta blockers include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and bisoprolol.Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Choice C is wrong because platelet inhibitors are a class of drugs that prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots.
Examples of platelet inhibitors include aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel.Platelet inhibitors are used to prevent or treat cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
Choice E is wrong because ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing the production of this vasoconstrictor hormone.
Examples of ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, and captopril.ACE inhibitors are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) that increase the excretion of potassium in the urine. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate the function of nerves and muscles, including the heart.Low potassium levels can cause symptoms such as confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, and nausea, which are consistent with the patient’s presentation.
Choice B, renal failure, is wrong because furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by kidney disease, not to cause it.Renal failure would also cause symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which are not mentioned in the question.
Choice C, hyperkalemia, is wrong because hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by kidney disease or certain medications that decrease the excretion of potassium in the urine.Hyperkalemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, and chest pain, which are different from the patient’s symptoms.
Choice D, heart failure, is wrong because furosemide is also used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by heart failure, not to cause it.Heart failure would also cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and rapid weight gain, which are not mentioned in the question.
Normal ranges for potassium levels in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) for adults and 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L for children.
A level below 3.5 mEq/L is considered hypokalemic and a level above 5.0 mEq/L is considered hyperkalemic.
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