If a patient experiences muscle pain while on a statin, what should be the nurse's priority action?

When a patient experiences muscle pain while on a statin, the priority action for the nurse is to report this symptom to the healthcare provider. Muscle pain can be indicative of serious adverse reactions associated with statin use, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to serious complications including kidney injury. By reporting the symptom, the healthcare provider can evaluate the patient's condition, consider adjusting the medication, or conduct further assessment to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

In this context, while administering additional pain medication may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying issue associated with the statin. Encouraging increased physical activity could potentially worsen the muscle pain and does not align with the immediate need to assess the potential severity of the symptom. Continuing the medication as prescribed without reporting the muscle pain may lead to progression of any underlying condition, placing the patient at risk for more serious complications. Thus, communicating concerns to the healthcare provider is the most appropriate and necessary action in this scenario.