Which assessment finding in a client taking an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor will the nurse act on immediately?

• A. Decreased hemoglobin
• B. Elevated liver function tests
• C. Elevated HDL
• D. Elevated LDL

Answer: (B)

Statins can cause hepatotoxicity, so a rise in liver enzymes signals potential liver injury and requires immediate action. Elevated liver function tests suggest the medication may be harming the liver, so you would pause the statin and notify the prescriber, then recheck LFTs to assess for true injury and decide on next steps (hold, reduce dose, switch therapy, or discontinue if needed). Baseline LFTs are obtained before starting therapy and may be repeated if symptoms arise or if certain risk factors are present, because early detection of liver injury is key to preventing serious damage. In contrast, changes like elevated HDL or lowered LDL reflect lipid-lowering effects rather than an acute safety signal, and a decreased hemoglobin is not a typical immediate concern related to statin use.