The parent of a 5-year-old child asks the nurse to recommend an over-the-counter pain medication for the child.
Which analgesic will the nurse recommend?

Choice A rationale

Assessing pulses and blood pressure is crucial before administering an antiarrhythmic agent because these drugs can affect heart rate and blood pressure, requiring close monitoring to prevent adverse effects.

Choice B rationale

While assessing breath sounds is important in overall patient care, it is not the priority before administering antiarrhythmic agents as these drugs primarily affect the cardiovascular system.

Choice C rationale

Assessing mental status is important in patient care, but it is not the priority before administering an antiarrhythmic agent, as these medications primarily influence cardiovascular parameters.

Choice D rationale

Assessing urine output is vital for monitoring kidney function and fluid balance, but it is not the priority before administering an antiarrhythmic agent, which mainly affects heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Choice A rationale

Weight-bearing exercises are beneficial for cardiovascular health and bone density, and substituting them with yoga may not address the underlying factors contributing to hypertension.

Choice B rationale

Decreased fluid intake is not generally recommended as it can lead to dehydration, which may negatively impact blood pressure. Increased potassium intake is beneficial, but not reducing fluid intake.

Choice C rationale

Stress reduction is indeed beneficial for managing hypertension, but increased protein intake is not specifically indicated for lowering blood pressure and may have other health implications.

Choice D rationale

Weight reduction and decreased sodium intake are well-established lifestyle changes for managing hypertension. Reducing sodium helps lower blood pressure, and weight loss reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system.