The client is prescribed rosuvastatin 10 mg PO daily. What information will the nurse provide in the teaching about this medication?

Choice A reason: Stopping the medication if the client develops a change in vision is not the information that the nurse should provide in the teaching about rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin is a drug that lowers the cholesterol and prevents the complications of cardiovascular disease.  It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver.  Change in vision is not a common or serious side effect of rosuvastatin, and it may be caused by other factors, such as eye strain, infection, or disease.  The nurse should not advise the client to stop the medication without consulting the healthcare provider, as this may increase the risk of adverse outcomes, such as heart attack or stroke.

Choice B reason: Monitoring body weight weekly is not the information that the nurse should provide in the teaching about rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin is a drug that lowers the cholesterol and prevents the complications of cardiovascular disease.  It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver.  Body weight is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness or safety of rosuvastatin, and it may fluctuate due to various factors, such as diet, exercise, or fluid retention.  The nurse should encourage the client to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, but not to focus on the weekly changes in body weight.

Choice C reason: Reporting muscle weakness or pain is the information that the nurse should provide in the teaching about rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin is a drug that lowers the cholesterol and prevents the complications of cardiovascular disease.  It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver.  However, statins can also cause muscle damage, which can manifest as weakness, pain, tenderness, or cramps.  This can be a sign of a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure or death.  The nurse should instruct the client to report any muscle symptoms to the healthcare provider as soon as possible, and to avoid taking any other drugs or supplements that may interact with rosuvastatin and increase the risk of muscle damage.

Choice D reason: Having biannual renal function studies is not the information that the nurse should provide in the teaching about rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin is a drug that lowers the cholesterol and prevents the complications of cardiovascular disease.  It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver.  Renal function studies are tests that measure the health and function of the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste and excess fluid.  Rosuvastatin is not known to cause significant kidney damage, and it is excreted mainly by the liver.  The nurse should not recommend the client to have biannual renal function studies, as this may be unnecessary and costly. The nurse should advise the client to follow the healthcare provider's orders regarding the frequency and type of laboratory tests that are needed to monitor the effects of rosuvastatin.