A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is receiving morphine via a continuous epidural infusion.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Choice A rationale:

Checking blood pressure with the client standing could exacerbate the client’s symptoms due to orthostatic hypotension, which is a common side effect of captopril.

Choice B rationale:

Administering a 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus could be considered if the client’s blood pressure does not improve with positioning changes or if the client’s condition worsens.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client in a supine position can help increase blood flow to the brain and alleviate symptoms of low blood pressure. This should be the first action taken by the nurse.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring blood pressure with the client sitting could also exacerbate symptoms due to orthostatic hypotension. It would be more appropriate after the client’s condition has stabilized.

Choice Arationale:

The statement about taking the medication with food is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken with food. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Choice B rationale:

The statement that the medication can slow the heart rate is incorrect. Nitroglycerin does not slow the heart rate. In fact, it can cause a reflex tachycardia, where the heart rate increases.

Choice C rationale:

The statement that the effects of the medication should be felt within 5 minutes is correct. This indicates an understanding of the instructions.

Choice Drationale:

Taking the medication every 10 minutes until the pain goes away is incorrect. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes. However, if the pain is not relieved, a second tablet can be taken 5 minutes after the first tablet. If the pain continues for another 5 minutes, a third tablet may be used. Taking the medication every 10 minutes could lead to an overdose.