A client with atrial fibrillation receives a new prescription for dabigatran. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan?

Choice A reason: A basic metabolic panel is a blood test that measures the levels of electrolytes, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and calcium in the body. It can be used to assess the fluid balance, kidney function, and acid-base balance of the client. However, it does not provide information about the liver function, which is the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.

Choice B reason: A thyroid function test is a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the body. It can be used to diagnose thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can affect the metabolism, energy, and mood of the client. However, it does not provide information about the liver function, which is the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.

Choice C reason: A renal function panel is a blood test that measures the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid in the body. It can be used to assess the kidney function and the excretion of waste products from the body. However, it does not provide information about the liver function, which is the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.

Choice D reason: A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin in the body. It can be used to assess the liver function and the production and metabolism of bile. Albendazole is a medication that can cause liver toxicity and hepatitis, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice. The nurse should review the liver function test to monitor the client's liver status and adjust the medication dose accordingly.

Choice A reason: Performing a bladder scan is not the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. A bladder scan is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of urine in the bladder. It can be used to assess urinary retention, which is a common symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tamsulosin is a medication that relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck, which can improve urine flow and reduce urinary retention. However, a bladder scan does not indicate how the medication is affecting the client's blood pressure, which is a more serious concern.

Choice B reason: Assessing urine output is not the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. Urine output is the amount of urine produced by the kidneys and excreted by the bladder. It can be used to evaluate the client's fluid balance and kidney function. Tamsulosin is a medication that can improve urine flow and reduce urinary retention in clients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, urine output does not indicate how the medication is affecting the client's blood pressure, which is a more serious concern.

Choice C reason: Measuring blood pressure is the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It can be affected by various factors, such as heart rate, blood volume, and vascular resistance. Tamsulosin is a medication that belongs to the class of alpha-blockers, which can lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. This can cause side effects such as dizziness, fainting, and orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. The nurse should measure the client's blood pressure regularly and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider.

Choice D reason: Monitoring daily weights is not the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. Daily weights are a measure of the client's body mass, which can reflect changes in fluid status and nutritional intake. Tamsulosin is a medication that can improve urine flow and reduce urinary retention in clients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, daily weights do not indicate how the medication is affecting the client's blood pressure, which is a more serious concern.