Question

A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client who has a new prescription for simvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Option 1:
a) Take the medication with grapefruit juice

Option 2:
b) Report muscle pain or weakness promptly

Option 3:
c) Take the medication in the morning

Option 4:
d) Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication

Answer 1

The nurse should include instructions to report muscle pain or weakness promptly and to avoid consuming alcohol while on simvastatin in the teaching plan. Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing a teaching plan for a client who has a new prescription for simvastatin, the nurse should include the following instructions:

• Report muscle pain or weakness promptly: Simvastatin can cause muscle-related side effects, such as myalgia or myopathy. It is important for the client to notify their healthcare provider if they experience any muscle pain or weakness.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication: Simvastatin and alcohol can both lead to liver damage. To minimize the risk, it is best to avoid alcohol consumption while taking simvastatin.

Option 1 (Take the medication with grapefruit juice) is incorrect because grapefruit juice can interact with simvastatin and increase the risk of side effects. Option 3 (Take the medication in the morning) is not specifically necessary; simvastatin can be taken at any time of the day. Therefore, the nurse should not include these options in the teaching plan.