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Title: A patient has been taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) for several months to treat hyperlipidemia. The ... Post by: logman on Jan 24, 2018 A patient has been taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) for several months to treat hyperlipidemia. The patient reports muscle weakness and tenderness. The nurse will counsel the patient to
a. ask the provider about switching to simvastatin. b. contact the provider to report these symptoms. c. start taking ibuprofen to combat these effects. d. stop taking the medication immediately. Title: A patient has been taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) for several months to treat hyperlipidemia. The ... Post by: jilt on Jan 24, 2018 ANS: B
Patients taking statins should report immediately any muscle aches or weakness, which can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a muscle disintegration that can become fatal. All statins carry this risk, so changing to another statin is not indicated. Ibuprofen may be useful, but notifying the provider is essential. Patients should not abruptly discontinue statins without discussing this with the provider. |