A nurse is caring for a client receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

B) Correct. Clients taking warfarin should continue to eat foods high in vitamin K, but they should try to keep their intake consistent. Vitamin K plays a role in the synthesis of clotting factors, and warfarin works by inhibiting the action of vitamin K, thereby reducing the blood's ability to clot. Consistent vitamin K intake helps maintain a stable response to warfarin.

A) Incorrect. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K is not necessary, but consistency in vitamin K intake is important.

C) Incorrect. Increasing intake of foods high in vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of blood clots.

D) Incorrect. Consuming unlimited amounts of foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and lead to inconsistent therapeutic response.

B) Correct. Beta-blockers primarily affect the heart by decreasing heart rate and contractility. Before administering a beta-blocker, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client's heart rate and rhythm to ensure it is within an appropriate range. This is important because beta-blockers can further slow the heart rate and may be contraindicated in certain conditions, such as bradycardia or heart block.

A) Incorrect. Although checking the client's blood pressure is important, it is not the priority action when administering a beta-blocker.

C) Incorrect. Evaluating renal function is not directly related to the administration of a beta-blocker. However, renal function should be considered in the overall assessment of the client's health status.

D) Incorrect. Monitoring blood glucose levels is not directly related to the administration of a beta-blocker. This action is more relevant for clients with diabetes who are taking medications that can affect blood glucose levels.