Final answer:
A client prescribed a statin should take the medication in the evening due to higher nocturnal cholesterol synthesis and should be aware that muscle pain can indicate a serious side effect. Daily cholesterol checks are not required, but regular monitoring is essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient prescribed an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) medication for coronary artery disease (CAD) should be given specific instructions on how to take the medication effectively and be informed about its potential side effects. Statins are a class of drugs that help to reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme that synthesizes cholesterol from lipids in the body. It is crucial for patients to take these medications as prescribed to manage their cholesterol levels and reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Specifically, for the statin class of drugs, they should generally be taken in the evening as cholesterol synthesis in the liver is higher at night. The nurse should instruct the patient to be aware of any muscle pain, as this could be a sign of a serious side effect known as myopathy, and if muscle pain occurs, they should contact their healthcare provider promptly. Daily checking of cholesterol levels is not necessary; however, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is important for managing the effectiveness of the treatment.