Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem? Which problem should the nurse assess the client for the onset of?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Elevated CK levels indicate muscle damage, a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious side effect of atorvastatin. Assessing for muscle tenderness is critical to detect myopathy early, which can progress to rhabdomyolysis if untreated. Other symptoms like nausea or bruising are not directly related to CK elevation.