Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for the client taking atorvastatin. The nurse should assess for which adverse effects?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
A: Bile acid sequestrants act by inhibiting bile acids from absorption by the small intestine. This results in fewer bile acids in the small intestine, which may lead to constipation and hemorrhoids. B: Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin) used to lower lipid levels. Statins can cause muscle tissue injury manifested by muscle ache or weakness. Muscle injury can progress to myositis (muscle inflammation) or rhabdomyolysis (muscle disintegration). C: Diarrhea, not constipation, has been found to be a side effect of statin medications. D: Side effects of niacin, a lipid-lowering agent, include flushing, dysrhythmias, and postural hypotension.