The nurse is administering amiodarone to a patient who is being treated for a ventricular arrhythmia. The patient has received a bolus of 150 mg of amiodarone IV and is now receiving a continuous infusion of 1 mg/min. The nurse notes a heart rate of 60 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 88/54 mm Hg. The nurse will notify the provider and perform which other action?

A. These symptoms are signs of an allergic reaction to the medication.: Allergic reactions to prednisone are uncommon and usually present with rash, itching, or anaphylaxis rather than fatigue, edema, or weight gain. Mr. Johnson’s symptoms do not align with typical hypersensitivity responses.

B. These are expected side effects of short-term corticosteroid use.: While short-term prednisone use can cause minor side effects such as mood changes or insomnia, significant fluid retention, rapid weight gain, and swelling are more concerning and not typical of brief therapy.

C. These symptoms may indicate fluid retention and potential electrolyte imbalances: Prednisone can cause sodium and water retention, leading to edema, rapid weight gain, and fatigue. Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hypokalemia, may also occur. Monitoring and notifying the provider is important to prevent cardiovascular complications.

D. These symptoms are due to an underlying infection caused by the medication.: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk, but the described symptoms do not specifically indicate infection. Fatigue and swelling are more consistent with fluid and electrolyte effects rather than an infectious process.

A. Instruct the patient to go to an emergency department because this is a hypersensitivity reaction.: A persistent cough from captopril is not an immediate hypersensitivity reaction; it is a common, non-life-threatening side effect. Emergency care is not required unless there are signs of angioedema or respiratory distress.

B. Schedule an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).: ACE inhibitors like captopril can cause a persistent dry cough due to increased bradykinin levels. Switching to an ARB avoids this side effect while maintaining antihypertensive efficacy. Discussing alternatives with the provider is the appropriate action.

C. Tell the patient to stop taking the drug immediately since this is a serious side effect of this drug.: Abrupt discontinuation without provider guidance may lead to uncontrolled hypertension. While the cough is bothersome, it is not immediately dangerous, and medication changes should be managed through the prescriber.

D. Reassure the patient that this side effect is nothing to worry about and will diminish over time.: The cough caused by captopril often persists as long as the drug is taken. Reassuring the patient without considering alternative therapy may prolong discomfort and reduce adherence to treatment.