In which scenario would the use of statins be contraindicated for a client?

In which scenario would the use of statins be contraindicated for a client?

• A. A female client who had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy earlier this year
• B. A resident of a long-term care facility being treated with donepezil
• C. A 72-year-old man with emphysema and a long history of smoking
• D. An obese male client who is a heavy alcohol user and has cirrhosis of the liver

Answer: (D)

Statins are a class of medications commonly used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, they can have potential adverse effects, particularly on liver function. In the scenario where a client has cirrhosis of the liver, the use of statins is contraindicated due to the risk of further liver damage and impaired metabolism of the medication. Cirrhosis can lead to altered liver function, which affects the drug's pharmacokinetics—how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. Statins are primarily metabolized by the liver, so a compromised liver function could result in increased statin levels in the bloodstream, raising the risk of statin-related side effects, such as muscle toxicity and liver enzyme elevation. For clients in the other scenarios, there are no specific contraindications for the use of statins. A female client who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy would not typically face restrictions from statins based solely on her past surgery. A resident of a long-term care facility treated with donepezil, a medication primarily for dementia, can still receive statins without significant complications. Similarly, a 72-year-old man with emphysema and a history of smoking does

Statins are a class of medications commonly used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, they can have potential adverse effects, particularly on liver function.

In the scenario where a client has cirrhosis of the liver, the use of statins is contraindicated due to the risk of further liver damage and impaired metabolism of the medication. Cirrhosis can lead to altered liver function, which affects the drug's pharmacokinetics—how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. Statins are primarily metabolized by the liver, so a compromised liver function could result in increased statin levels in the bloodstream, raising the risk of statin-related side effects, such as muscle toxicity and liver enzyme elevation.

For clients in the other scenarios, there are no specific contraindications for the use of statins. A female client who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy would not typically face restrictions from statins based solely on her past surgery. A resident of a long-term care facility treated with donepezil, a medication primarily for dementia, can still receive statins without significant complications. Similarly, a 72-year-old man with emphysema and a history of smoking does