A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs.

Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect following the transfusion?

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 C. Holding the client’s eyes shut for a few seconds.

This is because the eyes of a deceased client do not close naturally and may remain open after death. Holding them shut for a few seconds helps to keep them closed and prevent drying of the corneas.

This also gives a more peaceful appearance to the client’s body for the family visit.

Choice A is wrong because crossing the client’s arms across their chest is not a standard postmortem care procedure. It may also interfere with the placement of identification tags on the wrists.

Choice B is wrong because placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position is not necessary or appropriate for postmortem care. The client should be placed in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated to prevent livor mortis (purple discoloration of the skin) on the face.

Choice D is wrong because removing the client’s dentures from their mouth is not recommended for postmortem care. The dentures should be left in place to maintain the shape of the face and prevent the jaw from dropping.

Normal ranges are not applicable for this question as it does not involve any physiological measurements.