A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The first action the nurse should take is assess for dizziness when standing followed by increase dietary iron intake.

Rationale:

Assess for dizziness when standing: The client’s orthostatic hypotension (BP drops from 132/60 to 102/50 mmHg upon standing) and tachycardia (HR 108/min) suggest possible symptomatic anemia. Evaluating for dizziness ensures client safety and helps determine the severity of anemia-related hypoxia.

Increase dietary iron intake: The client has iron deficiency anemia (low hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, and ferritin). Since they follow a vegan diet, increasing plant-based iron sources (e.g., leafy greens, legumes, fortified cereals) and vitamin C intake can improve iron absorption.

Incorrect:

Administer IV fluids: While anemia can cause orthostatic hypotension, fluid resuscitation is not the first-line intervention unless dehydration is present.

Check for signs of bleeding: The client reports no pain or discomfort, and there is no evidence of active bleeding. Anemia is more likely due to chronic dietary deficiency rather than acute blood loss.

Administer vitamin B12 supplements: The client’s vitamin B12 level is slightly low but not critically deficient. The primary issue is iron deficiency, not pernicious anemia.

Anticipated:

• Metoprolol 5 mg every 2 to 3 min up to three doses
• Oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
• Draw electrolytes along with Hgb and Hct
• Morphine 6 mg IV bolus every 3 hr as needed for pain
• Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL now may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses

Nonessential:

• Obtain daily weight

Contraindicated:

• Atropine 0.5 mg IV bolus every 5 min up to 2 mg

Rationale:

• Metoprolol 5 mg every 2 to 3 min up to three doses: Beta-blockers reduce myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure, making them beneficial in acute coronary syndrome. They should be used cautiously in patients with signs of heart failure or bradycardia.
• Oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula: Supplemental oxygen is recommended for clients with acute coronary syndrome when oxygen saturation is below 94% to optimize myocardial oxygen supply and prevent ischemia.
• Draw electrolytes along with Hgb and Hct: Electrolytes are critical in evaluating myocardial function, and hemoglobin/hematocrit levels help assess perfusion and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Morphine 6 mg IV bolus every 3 hr as needed for pain: Morphine is used to relieve severe chest pain in myocardial infarction and reduce myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing anxiety and preload.
• Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL now may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses: Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving oxygen delivery to the myocardium, and reduces preload and afterload, alleviating chest pain. It is a first-line treatment for angina and myocardial infarction but should be avoided in cases of hypotension.
• Obtain daily weight: Daily weight monitoring is primarily used for fluid balance assessment in conditions like heart failure rather than for acute myocardial infarction management.
• Atropine 0.5 mg IV bolus every 5 min up to 2 mg: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia. However, the client is tachycardic, so atropine would worsen the condition and is contraindicated.