A nurse is preparing to administer a beta-blocker to a client with hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
Checking the client's blood pressure before administration.
Assessing the client's heart rate and rhythm.
Evaluating the client's renal function.
Instructing the client to monitor their blood glucose levels.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B) Correct. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect by inhibiting aldosterone secretion. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing serum potassium levels regularly to monitor for hyperkalemia. This is particularly important in clients with pre-existing renal impairment or those taking other medications that can increase potassium levels.
A) Incorrect. ACE inhibitors do not directly affect blood glucose levels, although they may indirectly influence glycemic control in clients with diabetes.
C) Incorrect. Serum creatinine levels should be monitored regularly in clients receiving ACE inhibitors, as these medications can affect renal function. However, assessing serum potassium levels is a higher priority in this scenario.
D) Incorrect. White blood cell count is not directly related to ACE inhibitor therapy and does not require prioritization in this case.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside, and hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia and requires immediate nursing intervention. Hypokalemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin on cardiac conduction, leading to dysrhythmias.
B) Incorrect. A heart rate of 60 beats per minute is within the expected range for a client taking digoxin, as it is commonly used to control heart rate in certain cardiac conditions.
C) Incorrect. A systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg may be within an acceptable range for a client with heart failure, depending on their baseline blood pressure and symptoms. It does not require immediate nursing intervention.
D) Incorrect. A digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range for digoxin. It does not require immediate nursing intervention.
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