Question

A client with high cholesterol is beginning treatment with simvastatin (Zocor). What priority instruction does the nurse give this client?

a. "Increase your intake of dietary fiber to minimize constipation."
b. "Take this drug on an empty stomach to promote absorption."
c. "Report any muscle tenderness to your health care provider."
d. "You may experience flushing of the skin with this medication."

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize instructing the client to report any muscle tenderness to their healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should give the client with high cholesterol the priority instruction to report any muscle tenderness to their health care provider. This is because muscle tenderness can be a sign of a potentially serious side effect of simvastatin called rhabdomyolysis, which is characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue. Rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage and other complications.