NCLEX Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs Practice Test

Rosuvastatin can cause muscle injury, and the severe skeletal muscle reaction to watch for is rhabdomyolysis. This condition involves breakdown of muscle tissue releasing substances like myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure. Nurses should be alert for new or worsening muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it’s accompanied by dark or cola-colored urine. If rhabdomyolysis is suspected, the statin should be held and creatine kinase levels checked promptly; aggressive hydration is often needed to protect the kidneys. Risk factors include high-dose therapy, drug interactions (such as with fibrates or certain antibiotics), older age, renal or hepatic impairment, and hypothyroidism. Educate the patient to report muscle symptoms right away and to stay well-hydrated. The other conditions listed—myasthenia gravis, dyskinesia, and agranulocytosis—are not typical adverse effects of statins.