The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol orally to a client with hypertension.
The client’s vital signs are temperature 99° F (37.2 C), heart rate 48 beats/minute, respirations 16 breaths/minute, and blood pressure (BP) 150/90 mm Hg. What action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Codeine is an opioid medication that can cause drowsiness and dizziness. This can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults or those with balance or mobility issues. Therefore, it is important to instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to prevent falls.

Choice B rationale

While constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications like codeine, and a stool softener or laxative may be helpful in managing this side effect, it is not the highest priority nursing action. The risk of falls due to drowsiness or dizziness is a more immediate safety concern.

Choice C rationale

While it is important for the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved, this is not the highest priority nursing action. The safety of the client is the primary concern, and preventing falls by providing assistance with ambulation is a more immediate need.

Choice D rationale

Advising the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes is an important part of patient education, but it is not the highest priority nursing action. The safety of the client is the primary concern, and preventing falls by providing assistance with ambulation is a more immediate need.

Choice A rationale

Labetalol is a non-selective beta-blocker used to treat hypertension. The goal of labetalol administration is to reduce the blood pressure to 140/90 mmHg, and the diastolic BP must not fall below 90 mmHg. However, in this scenario, the client’s heart rate is 48 beats/minute, which is lower than the normal range (60-100 beats/minute). Administering labetalol, which can further decrease heart rate, could lead to bradycardia, a condition that can cause fainting, fatigue, or chest discomfort. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the scheduled dose and notify the healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale

While it is important to monitor the client’s BP regularly when administering labetalol, given the client’s low heart rate, administering the dose could potentially exacerbate the client’s bradycardia. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.

Choice C rationale

Assessing for orthostatic hypotension before administering the dose is an important consideration when administering medications that can lower blood pressure. However, in this case, the client’s low heart rate is a more immediate concern. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.

Choice D rationale

Applying a telemetry monitor could help in monitoring the client’s heart rate and rhythm. However, given the client’s current heart rate, the priority should be to withhold the medication and inform the healthcare provider.