A client who is taking atorvastatin presents to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. Which clinical finding is concerning to the nurse?
Explanation & Rationale
A. The client reports a recent onset of muscle pain: Muscle pain or weakness (myalgia) is a known adverse effect of atorvastatin and can indicate a serious complication such as rhabdomyolysis. This finding requires immediate assessment and possible adjustment of the medication regimen. B. The client's high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased: An increase in HDL is a desired effect of atorvastatin therapy. This finding is beneficial and indicates that the medication is helping improve lipid profile and cardiovascular risk. C. The client started taking oral contraceptive pills: While statins can slightly increase the hormone levels of birth control pills, this is a known interaction but not an immediate clinical "finding" that would be as concerning as potential muscle breakdown. D. The client's blood pressure is 116/78 while sitting: This blood pressure reading is within normal limits for an adult. It does not indicate a concerning clinical finding in the context of atorvastatin therapy.