Practice Question
The nurse is assessing a patient in the clinic taking atorvastatin. Which assessment data indicates that the patient may be experiencing an adverse effect of this medication?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
I am having pain in the back of my calves.
Rationale:
🟣Myopathy or muscle pain is a key adverse effect of statins such as atorvastatin and may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a rare but severe complication.
🟣This results from muscle breakdown releasing myoglobin, which can cause acute kidney injury.
🟣Patients experiencing muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially in the calves or thighs, require immediate medical evaluation and CK level testing.
🟣Risk factors include advanced age, hepatic dysfunction, and concurrent use of other myotoxic drugs (e.g., fibrates).
🟣Early recognition and discontinuation of the statin prevent irreversible muscle or renal damage.
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This question is from Examplify Pharmacology Exam 2 Fall 2025 Section 02 which contains 60 questions.
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From Exam
Examplify Pharmacology Exam 2 Fall 2025 Section 02
60 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4