In which situation should a client on simvastatin alert their healthcare provider?

A client on simvastatin should alert their healthcare provider if they notice their stool becomes frothy or foul smelling because this can indicate the potential development of a serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious side effect of statin medications, including simvastatin, and is characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney damage. The presence of frothy or foul-smelling stool could suggest that muscle protein is being released into the bloodstream and subsequently passed in the urine, potentially signaling kidney distress. Therefore, recognizing these gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for prompt medical intervention to prevent further complications associated with muscle breakdown and renal impairment.