A nurse is assessing a clie”t prior to administering atenolol. Which of the following findings should prompt the nurse to withhold the medication?
Respiratory rate 18/min
Oxygen saturation 95%
Heart rate 46/min
Blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is C
A) Respiratory rate 18/min:
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range for adults and is not a contraindication for administering atenolol. This finding does not warrant withholding the medication.
B) Oxygen saturation 95%:
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range and does not indicate any acute respiratory compromise. It is not a contraindication for administering atenolol.
C) Heart rate 46/min:
A heart rate of 46/min is below the normal range (typically 60-100 beats per minute for adults). Atenolol is a beta-blocker that primarily acts to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Administering atenolol to a client with bradycardia (heart rate less than 60/min) can further decrease heart rate and may lead to symptomatic bradycardia or heart block. Therefore, the nurse should withhold atenolol in this case and notify the healthcare provider.
D) Blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg:
A blood pressure of 160/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension (elevated blood pressure). While atenolol is often prescribed for the management of hypertension, this blood pressure reading alone does not warrant withholding the medication. However, the client's bradycardia (heart rate 46/min)’is a more immediate concern that requires action."
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Excretion:
This is the correct answer. The kidneys play a crucial role in the excretion of drugs and their metabolites from the body. After drugs undergo metabolism in the liver or other tissues, the resulting metabolites are often water-soluble and can be filtered by the kidneys into the urine. This process helps eliminate drugs and their byproducts from the body, preventing their accumulation and potential toxicity.
B) Absorption:
Absorption refers to the movement of drugs from the site of administration into the bloodstream. While the kidneys do not directly facilitate drug absorption, they may indirectly influence drug absorption by regulating blood flow and systemic circulation.
C) Metabolism:
Metabolism, or biotransformation, involves the enzymatic alteration of drugs into metabolites, which are often more water-soluble and easier to excrete. While the liver is the primary site of drug metabolism, the kidneys do not play a direct role in drug metabolism.
D) Distribution:
Distribution refers to the movement of drugs from the bloodstream to various tissues and organs in the body. While the kidneys do not directly influence drug distribution, changes in renal function can affect drug distribution by altering blood flow and plasma protein binding. However, the primary role of the kidneys in pharmacokinetics is excretion, not distribution.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Milk:
Milk is not known to interact significantly with verapamil. Therefore, there's no need for the client to avoid consuming milk while taking this medication.
B) Orange juice:
Orange juice does not typically interact with verapamil. However, calcium-containing foods and beverages, including orange juice, may reduce the absorption of verapamil when taken simultaneously. While the interaction is not severe, it's advisable for clients to separate the administration of verapamil from calcium-rich foods and beverages to optimize absorption.
C) Grapefruit juice:
This is the correct answer. Grapefruit juice contains compounds that inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, which are involved in the metabolism of many medications, including verapamil. Consuming grapefruit juice while taking verapamil can lead to elevated blood levels of the medication, increasing the risk of side effects and toxicity. Therefore, clients should avoid grapefruit juice while on verapamil therapy.
D) Coffee:
Coffee does not typically interact with verapamil. However, caffeine-containing beverages like coffee may exacerbate certain side effects of verapamil, such as dizziness or palpitations, due to their stimulant effects. Clients may be advised to limit caffeine intake or consume coffee in moderation while taking verapamil.
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