A patient taking atorvastatin reports new severe muscle pain, weakness and dark-coloured urine. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D. Instruct the patient to stop and contact the prescriber promptly

  • A. Advise extra exercise and observe symptoms
  • B. Tell the patient to take the next dose early
  • C. Ask the patient to increase dietary potassium
  • D. Instruct the patient to stop and contact the prescriber promptly

Explanation

Severe muscle pain, weakness and dark urine may indicate statin-associated muscle injury with possible rhabdomyolysis. The medicine should not be taken again until the prescriber gives advice; increased exercise or potassium will not treat this adverse effect.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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