A home health nurse is assisting in the care of a patient following a modified radical mastectomy. Which statement by the patient indicates effective coping?

Choice A rationale

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation. It does not typically cause elevated blood glucose levels.

Choice B rationale

Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure, not increase it. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

Choice C rationale

Metoprolol does not typically reduce bronchospasms. In fact, it can sometimes cause breathing problems such as shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing.

Choice D rationale

Metoprolol is known to lower heart rate. This is one of the ways it helps to reduce blood pressure and relieve strains on the heart.

Comparing the current blood pressure reading to the preoperative value is the first step the nurse should take. This will help determine if the patient’s blood pressure has significantly dropped, which could indicate hypovolemia or shock.

Choice B rationale

Covering the patient with a warm blanket may be helpful if the patient is feeling cold or showing signs of hypothermia, but it would not address the underlying cause of the low blood pressure.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the IV flow rate might be necessary if the patient is hypovolemic, but this decision should be based on additional assessment data and physician orders.

Choice D rationale

Reassuring the patient is important, but it should not be the first action. The nurse needs to assess and address the cause of the low blood pressure.