The nurse obtains a prescription for furosemide 40 mg IV for a client who has pulmonary congestion as the result of fluid volume overload. The nurse assesses the vital signs to be T-98.6, P-110, RR-24 and BP-90/60. What is the most appropriate action at this time?

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.

Choice A reason: Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram and calling a rapid response is not the first action that the nurse should take. A 12-lead electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac problems. ¹ A rapid response is a team of healthcare professionals that can provide immediate care to a client who is experiencing a life-threatening emergency. ² However, these actions are not the priority for a client who has chest pain while brushing their teeth. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before performing any tests or calling for help.

Choice B reason: Withholding the client's medications until the healthcare provider arrives is not the first action that the nurse should take. The client's medications may include drugs that can relieve chest pain, such as nitroglycerin, aspirin, or beta-blockers. ³ These drugs can help dilate the blood vessels, prevent blood clots, or reduce the workload of the heart. ³ The nurse should not withhold these medications, as they may help the client's condition and prevent further complications. The nurse should check the client's medication orders and administer them as prescribed.

Choice C reason: Instructing the client to stop the activity and provide a chair is the first action that the nurse should take. Chest pain is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque. ⁴ Chest pain can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, such as brushing the teeth, which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. ⁵ The nurse should instruct the client to stop the activity and provide a chair, as this can help reduce the stress on the heart and ease the chest pain. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation, and provide oxygen if needed.

Choice D reason: Calling the healthcare provider immediately about the client's complaint is not the first action that the nurse should take. The healthcare provider may need to be notified about the client's condition, especially if the chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. ⁵ However, the nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before calling the healthcare provider. The nurse should also be prepared to initiate emergency protocols if the chest pain does not improve or worsens.