A patient who has recently started taking pravastatin (Pravachol) and niacin (Nicobid) reports the following symptoms to the nurse. Which is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
a. Generalized muscle aches and pains
b. Dizziness when changing positions quickly
c. Nausea when taking the drugs before eating
d. Flushing and pruritus after taking the medications
ANS: A
Muscle aches and pains may indicate myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, which have caused acute kidney injury and death in some patients who have taken the statin medications. These symptoms indicate that the pravastatin may need to be discontinued. The other symptoms are common side effects when taking niacin, and although the nurse should follow-up with the health care provider, they do not indicate that a change in medication is needed.
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Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
Increased left atrial pressure is responsible for what circulatory change at birth?
a. constriction of the ductus arteriosus b. elimination of right-to-left shunting at the foramen ovale c. increased systemic pressure