A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving diazepam as sedation for an endoscopy, Which of the following antidotes should the nurse have on hand during the procedure?

A. Intake and output: Monitoring intake and output is essential in the postoperative care of a client to assess fluid balance and kidney function. However, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment in this situation is related to the potential cardiovascular side effect of isoflurane, which is hypotension. Hypotension can have immediate and significant implications for the client's perfusion and overall well-being, requiring prompt attention and intervention.

B. Non-verbal pain cues: Assessing for pain is important in the postoperative period to ensure adequate pain management and comfort for the client. However, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment at this time is related to the potential cardiovascular impact of the anesthesia, which is blood pressure. Addressing hypotension takes precedence over pain assessment as it poses a more immediate threat to the client's well-being.

C. Bowel sounds: Assessing bowel sounds is part of a comprehensive postoperative assessment to monitor the return of bowel function after surgery. While it is important, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment in this situation is related to the potential cardiovascular side effect of the anesthesia, which is blood pressure. Monitoring and managing hypotension is of greater concern in the immediate postoperative period.

D. Blood pressure: This is the correct answer. The priority assessment for a client who received isoflurane in the PACU is the blood pressure. Isoflurane is an inhalation anesthetic that can cause hypotension (low blood pressure). Monitoring the client's blood pressure is crucial to promptly identify and address any hypotension, as it can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Addressing blood pressure deviations is essential for the client's cardiovascular stability and overall recovery in the PACU.

The nurse should include lightheadedness as an adverse effect in the teaching for a client who has a new prescription for atenolol. Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat various conditions, including hypertension and certain heart conditions. One of the common side effects of beta-blockers is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness when the client stands up from a sitting or lying position.

Let's go through the other options:

B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In fact, atenolol is used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate.

C. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with anticholinergic medications rather than beta-blockers like atenolol.

D. Bronchodilation: Bronchodilation is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In contrast, atenolol can cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) in some individuals, particularly those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).