A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets for treating angina. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

B) Sepsis: Propofol is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent commonly used for sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. While propofol itself does not directly cause sepsis, its use can increase the risk of sepsis-related complications, such as infection. Propofol is typically administered intravenously, and improper handling or contamination of equipment, including intravenous lines and medication vials, can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream, leading to bloodstream infections (sepsis). Additionally, prolonged use of propofol may suppress immune function, further increasing the susceptibility to infection. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of sepsis, such as fever, chills, hypotension, tachycardia, and altered mental status, as a potential complication of propofol administration.

A) Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not a common complication directly associated with propofol administration. While electrolyte imbalances may occur in critically ill patients, especially those receiving mechanical ventilation, hypokalemia is more likely to result from other factors such as diuretic therapy, gastrointestinal losses, or inadequate potassium intake.

C) Urinary retention: Urinary retention is not a typical complication of propofol administration. While sedative medications like propofol can affect bladder function, causing urinary retention in some cases, it is not a commonly reported complication of propofol use in mechanically ventilated patients.

D) Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, is a potential complication of propofol administration, particularly in critically ill patients who may have altered glucose metabolism. However, hypoglycemia is not as commonly associated with propofol use as sepsis-related complications. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential when administering propofol, especially if the client has preexisting diabetes mellitus or other risk factors for hypoglycemia. However, sepsis is a more direct and significant complication associated with propofol administration in mechanically ventilated patients.

A) Increase in bowel function: Propofol is a sedative-hypnotic agent commonly used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia and sedation for procedures such as colonoscopies. While propofol may affect gastrointestinal motility, it typically leads to a decrease rather than an increase in bowel function. Therefore, an increase in bowel function would not be an expected adverse effect of propofol administration.

B) Increase in heart rate: Propofol generally has a depressant effect on the cardiovascular system, leading to a decrease rather than an increase in heart rate. It causes vasodilation and can result in hypotension and bradycardia, especially during induction of anesthesia. Therefore, an increase in heart rate would not be an expected adverse effect of propofol administration.

C) Decrease in respiratory rate: Respiratory depression is a well-known adverse effect of propofol. It acts as a potent central nervous system depressant, leading to dose-dependent respiratory depression. This effect is more pronounced when propofol is used for deeper levels of sedation or anesthesia. Therefore, monitoring for a decrease in respiratory rate is essential during and after propofol administration to prevent hypoxemia and respiratory compromise.

D) Decrease in body temperature: Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication associated with prolonged high-dose propofol administration. Among its manifestations are metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperlipidemia, and ultimately, multi-organ failure. However, a decrease in body temperature is not a characteristic feature of PRIS. Instead, hyperthermia or an increase in body temperature may occur as part of the syndrome. Therefore, monitoring for a decrease in body temperature is not a typical adverse effect of propofol administration.