Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking atorvastatin for hyperlipidemia. Which of the following client laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

a) Serum creatinine
b) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
c) International normalized ratio (INR)
d) Hemoglobin A1c

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels for a client taking atorvastatin for hyperlipidemia to ensure the medication is not causing liver damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client who is taking atorvastatin for hyperlipidemia should monitor the client's Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Atorvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol, which falls under a class of drugs known as statins. While effective, statins can potentially lead to liver damage, indicated by elevated levels of liver enzymes such as ALT. The normal range for ALT is typically 5-15 IU/litre. Liver functionality tests, including ALT, help ensure the patient's liver is not adversely affected by the medication. Other laboratory values, such as serum creatinine, INR, and Hemoglobin A1c respectively assess renal function, coagulation, and blood sugar control, but these are not primarily affected by atorvastatin.