When obtaining a fingerstick blood sugar, the practical nurse (PN) uses the lancet to prick the client's finger. After observing that a drop of blood is visible on the finger, which action should the PN take?

Choice A reason: Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day is highly significant in planning the client's rehabilitation following a myocardial infarction. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and continuing to smoke can significantly hinder recovery and increase the risk of future cardiac events. Addressing this behavior is crucial for improving the client's long-term health outcomes. Smoking cessation should be a primary focus of the rehabilitation plan, and the client should be provided with resources and support to quit smoking, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or medications.
Choice B reason: Expressing a desire to change one's lifestyle is a positive and encouraging sign. It indicates the client's motivation to adopt healthier habits, which is essential for successful rehabilitation. However, while this is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing specific risk factors, such as smoking, that have a direct and significant impact on the client's recovery and future health. The desire to change is a valuable component of the rehabilitation process, but it should be coupled with targeted interventions to address critical behaviors like smoking.
Choice C reason: Drinking 1 to 2 glasses of red wine daily may have both positive and negative health implications. Moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to have some cardiovascular benefits, but it can also pose risks, especially if not monitored. While this information is relevant to the client's overall lifestyle, it is not as immediately critical as addressing smoking, which has a well-documented and direct impact on cardiovascular health. The client's alcohol consumption can be discussed as part of the broader lifestyle changes during rehabilitation.
Choice D reason: Walking four city blocks to work each day indicates a level of physical activity that is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Encouraging regular physical activity is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. However, compared to the impact of smoking, this information is less critical in the immediate planning of the client's rehabilitation. The focus should be on eliminating harmful behaviors like smoking, while also promoting continued and possibly increased physical activity as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Choice A reason: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure in some individuals. It is important for the PN to monitor the client's blood pressure and educate them about this potential side effect.
Choice B reason: Tiotropium bromide is a bronchodilator used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While it is not commonly associated with increasing blood pressure, the PN should still be aware of any potential side effects and monitor the client's blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone is a combination oral contraceptive that contains estrogen and progestin. Estrogen can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. The PN should educate the client about this potential side effect and monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Choice D reason: Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that can cause vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure. It is important for the PN to inform the client about this potential side effect and monitor their blood pressure closely.
Choice E reason: Albuterol sulfate is a bronchodilator used to relieve asthma symptoms. While it can cause some cardiovascular side effects, such as increased heart rate, it is not typically associated with a significant increase in blood pressure. The PN should still monitor the client's blood pressure and be aware of any potential side effects.