The nurse administers atenolol 50 mg PO bid to a client who has coronary artery disease. The nurse understands that the therapeutic effect of this medication for this client is to:

Choice A reason: Placing a pad under the buttocks is not the best intervention to help prevent skin breakdown. A pad can absorb some of the moisture and protect the bed linen, but it can also trap heat and bacteria and cause irritation and infection of the skin.

Choice B reason: This is the best intervention to help prevent skin breakdown. Checking the rectal area for soiling frequently allows the nurse to remove any fecal matter and clean the skin as soon as possible. This reduces the exposure of the skin to moisture, acidity, and enzymes that can damage the skin integrity and cause inflammation and ulceration.

Choice C reason: Washing the buttocks with strong soap and water is not the best intervention to help prevent skin breakdown. Strong soap can strip the natural oils and protective barrier of the skin and make it more vulnerable to injury and infection. The nurse should use mild soap and water or a pH-balanced cleanser and pat the skin dry gently.

Choice D reason: Placing the call bell in the client's reach is not the best intervention to help prevent skin breakdown. A mentally impaired client may not be able to use the call bell or communicate their needs effectively. The nurse should not rely on the client's ability to ask for help, but rather check on the client regularly and provide appropriate care.

hoice A reason: Preparing for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with respiratory failure or impending airway obstruction, which are not the case for this client.

Choice B reason: Providing continuous sedation for pain relief is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention may worsen the client's condition by suppressing the respiratory drive and lowering the blood pressure. The nurse should administer antithyroid medications, beta blockers, and corticosteroids as prescribed to reduce the thyroid hormone levels and the associated symptoms.

Choice C reason: Initiating cardiac monitoring and assessing for reflex bradycardia is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with hyperkalemia or digoxin toxicity, which are not the case for this client. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm, but not expect a reflex bradycardia, which is a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate in response to a rapid rise in blood pressure.

Choice D reason: Maintaining IV fluid infusion and assessing adequacy of hydration is the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with thyroid storm, as they are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to increased metabolic rate, fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nurse should administer isotonic fluids, such as normal saline, and monitor the client's fluid intake and output, urine specific gravity, and serum electrolytes.