The purpose of the nurse providing pre-operative teaching to clients undergoing surgery is to:

Notify the surgeon of the blood pressure: While notifying the surgeon of the elevated blood pressure is important, it is not the immediate first action. The nurse should first address the elevated blood pressure by administering the prescribed antihypertensive medication. Once the medication is given, the nurse can then notify the surgeon if the blood pressure remains elevated or if there are any other concerns.

Choice B reason:

Document the blood pressure on the pre-op checklist: Documentation is crucial for maintaining accurate medical records, but it is not the first action in this scenario. The nurse should prioritize administering the antihypertensive medication to manage the client’s elevated blood pressure. After addressing the immediate concern, the nurse can document the blood pressure and any interventions taken.

Choice C reason:

Have the client relax and take deep breaths: Encouraging the client to relax and take deep breaths can help lower blood pressure temporarily, but it is not a substitute for administering the prescribed antihypertensive medication. This action can be taken in conjunction with medication administration but should not be the first or only action.

Choice D reason:

Administer the antihypertensive medication: Administering the antihypertensive medication is the correct first action. The client’s blood pressure is significantly elevated at 174/88, and the medication is necessary to manage this condition. According to perioperative guidelines, most antihypertensive medications should be continued until surgery to prevent complications such as hypertensive crises. Administering the medication will help stabilize the client’s blood pressure and reduce the risk of perioperative complications.

Choice A reason: Stating that none of these medications will work for this activity is incorrect. Albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist, is specifically used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). It is effective in opening the airways and preventing asthma symptoms triggered by exercise.

Choice B reason: Using beclomethasone prior to exercising is not recommended. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of asthma and is not effective as a pre-exercise medication. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways over time but does not provide immediate relief or prevention of exercise-induced symptoms.

Choice C reason: Albuterol is most effective when taken before this type of activity. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that works quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is commonly prescribed to be taken 10-15 minutes before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This medication helps to prevent the narrowing of the airways that can occur during physical activity, making it the best choice for preventing exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

Choice D reason: Using zafirlukast prior to aerobic activity is not the best option. Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term control of asthma. It helps reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms but is not typically used as a pre-exercise medication. It does not provide the immediate bronchodilation needed to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.