The nurse reviews the newly written prescriptions for a client admitted with the diagnoses of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?
Furosemide 40 mg PO daily for a client whose blood pressure is 123986.
Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN for a client complaining of chest
Metoprolol 25 mg PO bid for a client whose heart rate is 55 beats
Diltiazem 30 mg PO tid for a client whose heart rate is 90 beats/min
The Correct Answer is B
A) Furosemide 40 mg PO daily for a client whose blood pressure is 123/86: While furosemide is important for managing fluid status, the client's blood pressure is within a normal range, and this medication does not address any acute concerns.
B) Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN for a client complaining of chest pain: This prescription should be implemented first because it addresses an immediate and potentially life-threatening symptom. Chest pain can indicate angina or myocardial infarction, making it critical to relieve this symptom promptly.
C) Metoprolol 25 mg PO bid for a client whose heart rate is 55 beats: While metoprolol is important for managing heart rate and hypertension, a heart rate of 55 beats/minute is on the lower end and could warrant caution. The priority would be to assess the need for medication before administering it.
D) Diltiazem 30 mg PO tid for a client whose heart rate is 90 beats/min: This medication is also important for managing heart rate and hypertension but is not the priority over addressing acute chest pain. The client’s heart rate is within a normal range, so this does not require immediate action compared to the nitroglycerin for chest pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Withhold the dose and reassess the blood pressure in 30 minutes: Given that the client's blood pressure is 90/60, which indicates hypotension, withholding the furosemide is the safest initial action. Administering a diuretic in the context of low blood pressure could exacerbate the hypotensive state, potentially leading to further complications. It is prudent to reassess the blood pressure before proceeding with the medication.
B) Administer the medication and notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure: Administering furosemide despite the hypotensive reading may pose significant risks to the client. While notifying the healthcare provider is important, the immediate priority should be to ensure the client's safety by withholding the medication until the blood pressure can be reassessed.
C) Administer the dose and continue to monitor the vital signs: This approach is not advisable due to the low blood pressure. Administering the medication without addressing the hypotension could lead to a further drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of adverse effects such as dizziness or syncope.
D) Call the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide: While oral furosemide may be a reasonable alternative, the priority is to manage the client's current hypotensive state. The immediate action should focus on reassessing the blood pressure and ensuring the client is stable before considering alternative routes of medication administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "You can take 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time": While enteric-coated aspirin can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation, taking it with orange juice is not advisable. Citrus can increase gastric acidity, which might irritate the GI tract further, especially in a patient with a history of GI bleeding.
B) "Take the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning": This instruction is appropriate as taking aspirin with food or milk can help minimize gastrointestinal irritation and promote safer use, especially in a client with iron deficiency anemia from a GI bleed. It also helps with absorption and can reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
C) "Take a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime": Taking aspirin with only water, particularly at bedtime, may increase the risk of gastric irritation and does not provide the protective effect that food or milk would. This is not the best practice for someone with a history of GI issues.
D) "It's ok to take the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening": Ginseng can interact with blood-thinning medications and may increase bleeding risk. Advising the client to combine aspirin with ginseng tea could be harmful, especially given their history of GI bleeding. This is not a safe or appropriate recommendation.
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