Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is a common side effect associated with statin medications?

1. Elevated blood sugar levels

2. Increased appetite

3. Muscle pain and fatigue

4. Weight gain

The correct answer is: Muscle pain and fatigue

Muscle pain and fatigue are well-documented side effects associated with statin medications. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This mechanism, while effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, can sometimes lead to muscle-related side effects—a phenomenon known as statin-associated myopathy. Patients may experience varying degrees of muscle pain, weakness, or fatigue, which can impact their quality of life and adherence to therapy. The underlying mechanism for this side effect may involve mitochondrial dysfunction or increased oxidative stress within muscle cells. In clinical practice, it’s essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients on statins for these symptoms and adjust therapy as necessary, considering the potential impact on cardiovascular risk if therapy is discontinued. The other options listed, while they may occur in different contexts or with other medications, are not consistently linked to statin use. Elevated blood sugar levels can be seen with certain medications but are not a primary concern with statins for most patients. Increased appetite and weight gain are more often associated with other classes of medications, such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics, rather than statins.