The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with angina pectoris who is prescribed metoprolol 50 mg PO daily. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice a reason:

A history of allergy to iodine is a critical finding to report before a coronary angiography because the contrast dye used in the procedure typically contains iodine. Patients with an iodine allergy may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Precautions such as premedication with steroids and antihistamines or the use of alternative contrast agents may be necessary.

Choice b reason:

A serum potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is approximately 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L for adults. Therefore, this finding is not significant and does not need to be reported to the healthcare provider prior to the procedure.

Choice c reason:

A blood pressure reading of 138/90 mmHg is slightly elevated but does not reach the threshold for stage 1 hypertension, which starts at 140/90 mmHg for individuals under 60 years of age. While it should be monitored, it is not an urgent concern that needs to be reported immediately before a coronary angiography unless the patient shows symptoms of hypertensive crisis.

Choice d reason:

An EKG showing atrial fibrillation is an important finding; however, it is not typically a contraindication for coronary angiography unless the patient is hemodynamically unstable or symptomatic. Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, but anticoagulation management is usually the focus rather than postponing necessary diagnostic procedures.

Choice a reason:
Including yogurt in the diet can be beneficial for a client experiencing diarrhea related to antibiotic therapy. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. These probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut that antibiotics may have disrupted, potentially reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea. However, it's important to choose yogurts that contain active probiotics and to be aware that some individuals may not tolerate dairy well during a bout of diarrhea.

Choice b reason:
Administering famotidine 20 mg daily may help with symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcers but is not directly related to treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and is not typically used as a treatment for diarrhea. It should be noted that if a patient is experiencing severe diarrhea, the underlying cause should be addressed rather than just managing symptoms.

Choice c reason:
Testing stool for occult blood is generally not a standard intervention for antibiotic-related diarrhea unless there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding or an infection like C. difficile, which can cause more severe colitis. Occult blood tests are more commonly used for screening for colorectal cancer or diagnosing conditions that cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice d reason:
Arranging for IV administration of the antibiotic instead of the oral route may be considered if the client has severe diarrhea that prevents the absorption of oral medications or if the client is unable to tolerate oral intake[^10^]¹¹¹²¹³¹⁴. However, many antibiotics have excellent oral bioavailability, and switching from IV to oral antibiotics when appropriate can be just as effective and is often preferred due to convenience and lower risk of complications.