A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for propranolol for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Withhold the medication if the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg.
Request a dosage increase if the apical heart rate is less than 60/min.
Inform the client to expect increased hair growth.
Administer the medication with an antacid.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Withholding the medication if the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg is an appropriate action, as propranolol is a beta-blocker that can lower blood pressure and cause hypotension, which can impair tissue perfusion and cause dizziness, fainting, or shock.
Choice B reason: Requesting a dosage increase if the apical heart rate is less than 60/min is an inappropriate action, as propranolol can slow down the heart rate and cause bradycardia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the apical pulse before administering propranolol and withhold it if it is less than 60/min.
Choice C reason: Informing the client to expect increased hair growth is an incorrect statement, as propranolol does not cause hypertrichosis or excessive hair growth. However, another beta-blocker, minoxidil, can cause this side effect.
Choice D reason: Administering the medication with an antacid is not an appropriate action, as antacids can interfere with the absorption of propranolol and reduce its effectiveness. The nurse should administer propranolol on an empty stomach or with food that does not contain antacids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ammonia 55 mg/dL is within the normal range of 15 to 60 mg/dL and does not indicate any liver dysfunction or bleeding risk.
Choice B reason: Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range of 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL and does not indicate any liver damage or jaundice.
Choice C reason: Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L is within the normal range of 10 to 40 units/L and does not indicate any liver inflammation or injury.
Choice D reason: Platelets 60,000/mm³ is below the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000/mm³ and indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count that can increase the risk of bleeding during or after the liver biopsy. The nurse should report this value to the provider and monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematuria, or melena.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This is correct. Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalance and affect the brain function, leading to confusion, dizziness, or lethargy.
Choice B: This is incorrect. Cool, clammy skin is a sign of shock, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause dry, warm skin.
Choice C: This is incorrect. Decrease in pulse rate is a sign of bradycardia, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause increase in pulse rate as the body tries to compensate for the low blood volume.
Choice D: This is incorrect. Increase in blood pressure is a sign of hypertension, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause decrease in blood pressure as the blood volume drops.
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