Question

A client seen in the health care clinic for follow-up care is taking atorvastatin (Lipitor). The nurse should assess the client for which adverse effect of the medication?

1. Earache
2. Hearing loss
3. Photosensitivity
4. Lung congestion

Answer 1

Patients taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be assessed for signs of photosensitivity, a known side effect, rather than earache, hearing loss, or lung congestion, which are not typically associated with this medication. The correct answer is option: 3. Photosensitivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client being seen in a healthcare clinic who is taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be assessed for a range of possible adverse effects. Among these, the nurse should particularly look out for signs of photosensitivity, as it is a known side effect of atorvastatin and other statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor).

While other issues like earache, hearing loss, and lung congestion are potential health concerns, they are not commonly associated side effects of atorvastatin. Patients on statins should also be monitored for symptoms like fatigue, fever, joint pain, swelling, and more serious side effects such as high blood pressure and liver damage.