A client comes in to the clinic after starting on atorvastatin with complaints of muscle pain and dark colored urine. What action should the nurse take at this time?

Introduction: Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to treat dyslipidemia. A rare but catastrophic adverse effect is rhabdomyolysis, where skeletal muscle breakdown releases myoglobin into the bloodstream, potentially causing acute kidney injury (AKI) evidenced by dark, tea-colored urine and severe, generalized myalgia. A. Continuing to monitor without intervention is dangerous because muscle pain and dark urine are not "common" or benign side effects; they are "red flag" symptoms. Ignoring these signs can lead to permanent renal failure or death as the muscle necrosis progresses and releases toxic intracellular contents into the blood. B. Recommending a lower dose is an inappropriate response to a potentially life-threatening drug toxicity. When rhabdomyolysis is suspected, the medication must be discontinued immediately. The nurse's priority is to ensure the patient is evaluated for organ damage rather than suggesting adjustments to a dangerous medication regimen. C. While increasing fluids is a supportive treatment for myoglobinuria to protect the kidneys, it is not the primary nursing action. The nurse must first facilitate a medical diagnosis through laboratory testing of creatine kinase (CK) levels. Instructing the client to simply drink more water delays necessary emergency medical intervention. D. The nurse must immediately NOTIFY THE PROVIDER and facilitate testing for RHABDOMYOLYSIS. The combination of myalgia and dark urine strongly suggests myoglobinuria. Rapid assessment of CREATINE KINASE levels and renal function is mandatory to prevent acute tubular necrosis and manage potential electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia.