Final answer:
In response to a client's new prescription for simvastatin, the nurse should verify the prescription, educate the client on how to take it, discuss potential side effects, assess liver function, and coordinate ongoing care and monitoring with the healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing action for a client who receives a new prescription for simvastatin (Zocor) 5 mg PO daily at bedtime would include several steps. First, the nurse should ensure that the prescription is verified and that the client understands the purpose and the proper method for taking the medication. This includes explaining that simvastatin is a type of statin medication, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Simvastatin is best taken at bedtime because the body's cholesterol production peaks at night. The nurse should also inform the client about potential side effects and the importance of following up with their healthcare provider for regular cholesterol monitoring.
The nurse should also assess the client's baseline liver function, as statins can affect liver enzymes, and educate the client on the importance of reporting any unusual symptoms such as muscle pain or weakness, which could indicate a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis. Coordination of care with the healthcare provider for ongoing monitoring of the client's response to the medication, as well as any additional lifestyle modifications regarding diet and exercise, is also an important nursing action.