Which client's laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?

Rationale: A. Serum electrolytes: Electrolyte levels are important for overall health, but they are not directly affected by statins. Monitoring them is not the priority before starting therapy, since the drug’s main risks involve the liver and muscles. B. Capillary blood glucose: While some statins have been associated with a slight increase in blood glucose levels, this is not the key baseline test required before initiation. Blood glucose monitoring is more relevant in diabetic management than in statin safety monitoring. C. Complete blood count: A CBC helps assess for anemia, infection, or hematologic disorders but has no direct relation to statin therapy. Statins do not primarily impact red or white blood cells. D. Serum liver enzymes: Statins are metabolized in the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity. Baseline liver function tests (ALT, AST) are essential to establish safety before starting therapy and to provide a comparison point for monitoring throughout treatment.