Pharmacology HESI Related

Review Pharmacology HESI related questions and content

A client with hyperlipidemia is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

  • A. Take the medication in the evening.
  • B. Report any muscle pain to your healthcare provider.
  • C. Avoid increasing your intake of grapefruit juice.
  • D. Do not take the medication with a high-fat meal.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Muscle pain can be a sign of a serious side effect of simvastatin (Zocor) known as rhabdomyolysis and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. The medication is usually taken in the evening to coincide with the body's natural production of cholesterol. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can increase the risk of toxicity by affecting the metabolism of the medication. Additionally, taking simvastatin with a high-fat meal can reduce its effectiveness, so it should be taken without food or with a light meal.