Question

The patient is receiving a statin drug. Which assessment data would be a priority for the nurse to report to the physician?

1. Bowel sounds markedly increased in all four quadrants of the abdomen
2. Urine output of 200 mL/hour
3. Urine output of 20 mL/hour
4. Moderate elevation in liver function tests (LFTs)

Answer 1

A moderate elevation in liver function tests (LFTs) should be reported to the physician when a patient is on a statin drug, as this could indicate drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority assessment data that a nurse should report to the physician when a patient is receiving a statin drug is a moderate elevation in liver function tests (LFTs). Statin medications can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity, which is why monitoring LFTs is critical. The LFTs can show evidence of gallbladder disease or other hepatic dysfunctions. While the other options may require monitoring, they do not directly relate to the known adverse effects of statins like changes in liver enzymes do.

It is also important to check blood levels of amylase or lipase for pancreatic inflammation and a complete blood count (CBC) for infection markers. However, these are not as directly relevant to statin use as LFTs are. An ultrasound could be used for visual assessment if hepatobiliary complications are suspected.