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a nurse is providing teaching to a client who is taking simvastatin. the nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following manifestations as an indication of a serious adverse reaction that could require discontinuing drug therapy?

User Ak Sacha
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Without the options that the "which of the following" phrasing entails, we cannot provide the most accurate answers. However, I can provide some general information that should cover what you are looking for.

Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor class indicated for primary hypercholesterolemia and myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality prophylaxis.

If the patient reports having muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, their creatine kinase (CK) levels should be monitored by the nurse for marked increase and or myopathy, both of which can indicated the need to discontinuation. The patient may be predisposed to the latter if they are over 65 years of age, assigned female at birth, or if they are living with uncontrolled hypothyroidism or renal impairment. Rhabdomyolysis and other myopathies can also be manifested by malaise (general body discomfort, depression, angst, or feeling of unease) and fever.

The development of liver injury is a possibility when taking simvastatin so liver function tests should be performed and monitored during the medication therapy. If the patient develops symptoms such as hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera), the medication should be discontinued.

Anaphylaxis and angioedema can also be among the hypersensitivity reactions that contraindicate medication use and, thus, highly suggest discontinuation.

User Dimirsen Z
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