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

Choice A reason: A complete blood count (CBC) is not typically required before starting statin therapy. While a CBC can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health, it does not specifically relate to the potential side effects or necessary monitoring for statin use. Statins primarily affect the liver, so monitoring liver function is more critical.Choice B reason: Serum electrolytes are important for assessing overall metabolic and kidney function, but they are not directly related to the initiation of statin therapy. Statins do not typically affect electrolyte levels, so this test is not necessary before starting the medication.Choice C reason: Capillary blood glucose levels are important for monitoring diabetes and blood sugar control. While statins can have an impact on blood glucose levels, this is not the primary concern when initiating therapy. Monitoring liver function is more directly related to the potential side effects of statins.Choice D reason: Serum liver enzymes are crucial to review before starting statin therapy. Statins can cause liver enzyme elevations, indicating liver damage or dysfunction. Therefore, baseline liver enzyme levels should be obtained to monitor for any potential hepatotoxicity during treatment.