Question

A patient with hyperlipidemia has been prescribed simvastatin. the nurse instructs the patient to undergo a liver function test and kidney function test every 3 to 6 months. which drug therapy–related complication in the patient is the nurse trying to prevent?

Answer 1

There are choices for this question namely:

A. Cirrhosis
B. Hepatitis
C. Nephritis
D. Rhabdomyolysis

The correct answer is "rhabdomyolysis". The major adverse effect that is related to simvastatin intake is rhabdomyolysis or the death of skeletal muscle tissue causing the release of myoglobin to the bloodstream. Myoglobin elimination through the kidneys may impair kidney function and cause acute renal failure that is why kidney function tests are requested. Myoglobin metabolism in the liver also puts stress to the organ that is why liver function tests should be requested.