A nurse is teaching about necessary baseline examinations with a female client who is to start taking atorvastatin. Which of the following baseline examinations should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Papanicolaou test: A Pap test screens for cervical cancer and is not related to the initiation of atorvastatin therapy. While important for overall women’s health, it is not a baseline examination necessary before starting this medication. B. Dental examination: Dental health assessments are not required prior to starting atorvastatin. Although good oral hygiene is important, it does not affect the safety or efficacy of statin therapy. C. Liver function tests: Atorvastatin can cause hepatotoxicity, so baseline liver function tests are essential to assess liver enzyme levels before initiating therapy. Monitoring these tests allows for early detection of liver injury and guides safe ongoing use of the medication. D. Hearing test: Hearing assessments are not indicated before starting atorvastatin. Statins are not known to cause hearing impairment, so this examination is unrelated to the medication’s safety profile.