The patient is receiving a statin drug. Which assessment data would be a priority for the nurse to report to the physician?

Question

1. Bowel sounds markedly increased in all four quadrants of the abdomen
2. Urine output of 200 mL/hour
3. Urine output of 20 mL/hour
4. Moderate elevation in liver function tests (LFTs)

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but serious side effect of statin drugs. Contents of muscle cells spill into the systemic circulation causing potentially fatal, acute renal failure. Urine output of less than 30 mL/hour is considered renal failure. A urine output of 200 mL/hour does not indicate renal failure, which occurs with rhabdomyolysis. Elevation of liver function tests (LFTs) may occur during statin therapy, but this is not as high a priority as acute renal failure. Increased bowel sounds will be heard with diarrhea, but diarrhea is a common side effect of statin therapy and is not considered a serious side effect initially.