A nurse is administering nifedipine to a client with gestational hypertension as prescribed by the provider.
Which of the following actions would the nurse take to ensure safe administration of this medication?
Check blood pressure before and after giving the medication
Give the medication with grapefruit juice to enhance absorption
Hold the medication if pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute
Monitor blood glucose levels for signs of hypoglycemia
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Check blood pressure before and after giving the medication. Nifedipine is an antihypertensive medication that is used to treat gestational hypertension. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Checking blood pressure before and after giving the medication helps to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
Choice B is wrong because grapefruit juice can interact with nifedipine and increase its blood levels, which can cause excessive lowering of blood pressure or other side effects. Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking nifedipine.
Choice C is wrong because nifedipine does not affect the pulse rate significantly. Holding the medication if pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute is more appropriate for beta-blockers, such as labetalol, which are another class of antihypertensive medications that can slow down the heart rate.
Choice D is wrong because nifedipine does not cause hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose levels for signs of hypoglycemia is more relevant for medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and pulse rate during pregnancy are 110-140/60-90 mmHg and 60-100 beats per minute, respectively. Normal range for blood glucose level during pregnancy is 70-110 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The client’s urine output is at least 30 mL/hr.This indicates that the therapy is effective because magnesium sulfate can cause renal impairment and fluid retention, which can worsen the condition of preeclampsia.
A normal urine output is a sign that the kidneys are functioning well and that the fluid balance is maintained.
Choice A is wrong because the client’s blood pressure may not normalize even with magnesium sulfate therapy.
Magnesium sulfate is mainly used to prevent seizures, not to lower blood pressure.Other antihypertensive medications may be needed to control blood pressure in severe preeclampsia.
Choice C is wrong because the client’s deep tendon reflexes are expected to decrease with magnesium sulfate therapy, as it is a central nervous system depressant.
A normal reflex response is 2+, but a lower response (1+ or 0) may indicate magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma.
Choice D is wrong because the client’s respiratory rate should be monitored closely with magnesium sulfate therapy, as it can also cause respiratory depression.
A normal respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but a lower rate (less than 12) may indicate magnesium toxicity, which requires immediate treatment with calcium gluconate.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A and B. Hydralazine is a drug that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.It can cause some side effects such astachycardia(fast heart rate) andheadache.
These are common and may go away during treatment.
However, if they are severe or persistent, the nurse should monitor the client and report to the doctor.
Choice C is wrong because nausea is not a common side effect of hydralazine.
It may be caused by other factors such as pregnancy or infection.
Choice D is wrong because hyperkalemia (high potassium level in the blood) is not a side effect of hydralazine.
It may be caused by other drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice E is wrong because oliguria (low urine output) is not a side effect of hydralazine.
It may be a sign of kidney damage or dehydration.
The nurse should monitor the client’s fluid intake and output and report any changes to the doctor.
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