Which symptom is a side effect of pravastatin that the nurse should monitor?

Which symptom is a side effect of pravastatin that the nurse should monitor?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Myalgia
• C. Tremors
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (B)

Statin medications commonly cause muscle-related adverse effects, making myalgia a key symptom to watch for. Pravastatin can lead to muscle pain or weakness, sometimes with elevated creatine kinase, which may indicate myopathy or even rhabdomyolysis if severe. Therefore, the nurse should routinely assess for new or worsening muscle pain, especially in the proximal muscles like the hips, thighs, or shoulders, and consider CK testing if symptoms arise. Hypertension, tremors, and tachycardia are not typical adverse effects of pravastatin, so they aren’t the primary concerns in this context. Monitoring for myalgia best reflects the expected side effect profile of this drug.

Statin medications commonly cause muscle-related adverse effects, making myalgia a key symptom to watch for. Pravastatin can lead to muscle pain or weakness, sometimes with elevated creatine kinase, which may indicate myopathy or even rhabdomyolysis if severe. Therefore, the nurse should routinely assess for new or worsening muscle pain, especially in the proximal muscles like the hips, thighs, or shoulders, and consider CK testing if symptoms arise. Hypertension, tremors, and tachycardia are not typical adverse effects of pravastatin, so they aren’t the primary concerns in this context. Monitoring for myalgia best reflects the expected side effect profile of this drug.