A client taking pravastatin (Pravachol) should be advised to monitor for which potential side effect?

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

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that statin therapy can cause muscle-related adverse effects, with myalgia being the most common symptom to watch for. Pravastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase to lower cholesterol, but this mechanism can also impact muscle cells in some people, leading to muscle pain or weakness. Patients should report new or worsening muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by dark urine or if strength declines, since these could signal more serious myopathy or even rhabdomyolysis. Monitoring might also include checking a creatine kinase level if symptoms are present or if there are other risk factors or drug interactions that could raise statin levels.

Hypertension, tremors, and tachycardia are not typical side effects associated with pravastatin, so they are not the primary concerns to monitor for during statin therapy.