A patient who is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) reports ...

[schs14]

A patient who is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) reports experiencing some muscle pain and weakness. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Administer ordered acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed.
  b. Document the finding as the only action.
  c. Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect.
  d. Hold the drug and notify the prescriber.

Question 2

A patient prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) reports all of the following problems or changes since starting this drug. Which problem or change does the nurse report to the prescriber?
 
  a. Abdominal cramps and bloating
  b. Muscle aches and weakness
  c. Urinating more at night
  d. Loss of taste for sweets

[Fayaz00962]

Answer to Question 1

D
Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) drug. Patients may develop rhabdo-myolysis (muscle breakdown) as an adverse effect of these drugs. Signs and symptoms include general muscle soreness, muscle pain, and weakness. The drug should be held and the prescriber notified. The patient will need to be prescribed another antihyperlipidemic drug.

Answer to Question 2

B
Atorvastatin can cause the adverse reaction of rhabdomyolysis, which is the destruction of ske-letal muscle. The symptoms of this problem are muscle aches and weakness. When a patient de-velops this problem, the drug should be stopped.

[schs14]

Gracias!

[Sarahjh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it