Order: Metoprolol 2.5mg IV push

On hand: 1mg/mL vials

How many millilitres will the nurse draw up for this dose?

Choice A reason: This statement is false. Atorvastatin is not a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular events. It does not have a significant effect on blood pressure, heart rate, or blood glucose.

Choice B reason: This statement is true. Captopril is a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and prevents kidney damage. However, it can also cause hyperkalemia, which is a condition where the potassium level is too high. The client has a high potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias or muscle weakness. The nurse should hold the captopril and notify the prescriber.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. Atenolol is not a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate. It can also prevent angina and reduce the risk of heart attack. The client has a normal heart rate and a slightly elevated blood pressure, which can be expected after surgery. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and administer the atenolol as ordered.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. Glipizide is not a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is an oral antidiabetic drug that lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. The client has a normal blood glucose level, which can be maintained by taking the glipizide as ordered. The nurse should also encourage the client to follow a balanced diet and exercise regimen.

Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that it is psychological, as this is not true and may offend the client. The difference between IV and oral medications is not based on the client's belief or perception, but on the pharmacokinetics of the drugs.

Choice B reason: This statement is true. The nurse's best response is to explain that oral medications take longer to absorb into the system than IV medications, as oral medications have to pass through the digestive tract and the liver before reaching the bloodstream. IV medications are injected directly into the vein and bypass the digestive tract and the liver. Therefore, IV medications have a faster onset of action and a higher bioavailability than oral medications.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that there is no difference between IV and oral medications, as this is not true and may confuse the client. IV and oral medications have different routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. These factors affect the drug levels and effects in the body.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that IV medication doses are always higher than oral doses, as this is not true and may mislead the client. IV and oral medication doses are determined by the drug characteristics, the client's condition, and the desired outcome. Sometimes, IV medication doses are lower than oral doses, as IV medications have a higher bioavailability and a more potent effect than oral medications.