A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive a unit of packed RBCs. The nurse should prime the blood administration tubing using which of the following IV solutions?

Choice A reason: The extra letters after the name of the medication do not mean it is a stronger dose, but that it is a combination of two different medications. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and blood volume. The combination of these two medications may have a synergistic effect and lower blood pressure more effectively than either one alone.

Choice B reason: The client will have to do some things differently because it is not the same medication, but a combination of two medications. The client will have to monitor their blood pressure, weight, fluid intake, and electrolyte levels more closely, as the addition of hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of dehydration, hypotension, and hypokalemia. The client will also have to avoid alcohol, salt, and potassium supplements, as they may interact with the medication and affect its efficacy or safety.

Choice C reason: The client will still have to diet to lose weight, as the medication does not cause weight loss, but may cause weight gain due to fluid retention. The client will have to follow a healthy diet that is low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, as these may worsen hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The client will also have to exercise regularly, as this may help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.

Choice D reason: The client may experience fewer side effects with the new medication, as the combination of metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide may lower the dose and frequency of each medication, and reduce the adverse effects of each one. For example, metoprolol may cause fatigue, dizziness, or bradycardia, while hydrochlorothiazide may cause dry mouth, headache, or gout. The combination of these two medications may balance out these effects and improve the client's tolerance and compliance.

Choice A reason: The client has a history of hypertension is not the correct answer. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is abnormally high, usually above 140/90 mmHg. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that lowers the blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart. Propranolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris, which is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, as it is consistent with the prescription.

Choice B reason: The client has a history of hypothyroidism is not the correct answer. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and energy levels. Propranolol can mask some of the signs of hypothyroidism, such as tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety. Propranolol can also interfere with the absorption and conversion of thyroid hormones. The nurse should monitor the client's thyroid function tests and report any abnormal values to the provider, but this finding is not a contraindication to the use of propranolol.

Choice C reason: The client has a history of bronchial asthma is the correct answer. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks the beta-1 receptors in the heart and the beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Blocking the beta-2 receptors can cause bronchoconstriction, which can worsen the symptoms of asthma and trigger an asthma attack. Propranolol is contraindicated in clients who have bronchial asthma, and the nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately.

Choice D reason: The client has a history of migraine headaches is not the correct answer. Migraine headaches are recurrent episodes of severe and throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Propranolol is effective in preventing migraine headaches, as it reduces the frequency and severity of the attacks. Propranolol is indicated for the prophylaxis of migraine headaches, and the nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, as it is consistent with the prescription.