Which problem reported by a client taking lovastatin requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?

• A. Nausea
• B. Muscle Pain
• C. Dizziness
• D. Headache

Answer: (B)

Muscle pain in someone taking lovastatin signals possible muscle injury from the medication, which can progress to rhabdomyolysis and potentially cause kidney injury if not addressed promptly. That risk makes this symptom the most urgent to follow up on. The nurse should promptly assess the pain’s location, intensity, and any associated weakness, tenderness, or dark urine, and check labs such as creatine kinase and liver enzymes as ordered. If severe symptoms or signs of rhabdomyolysis are present (for example, significant weakness or dark urine), the statin may need to be stopped and urgent medical evaluation pursued. Nausea, dizziness, and headache are common and typically less alarming unless they are accompanied by alarming signs or persist despite standard care.