Which drug class does hydralazine belong to?

A. Obtain a finger-stick glucose level: Nadolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that can mask signs of hypoglycemia, but routine glucose checks are not required immediately before each dose unless the client has diabetes or symptoms of low blood sugar.

B. Measure and document a set of vital signs: Nadolol lowers heart rate and blood pressure by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Assessing apical pulse and blood pressure immediately before administration ensures the medication is safe to give and helps prevent bradycardia or hypotension.

C. Draw blood for renal function laboratory tests: Nadolol is excreted renally, so kidney function is monitored over time rather than immediately before each dose. This assessment does not directly determine whether the dose should be administered at that moment.

D. Request a 12-lead electrocardiogram: A routine ECG is not required before administering nadolol unless the client has new cardiac symptoms or known conduction abnormalities. Heart rate and blood pressure assessment provide the most immediate and relevant safety information.

A. A client needing stroke prevention: Antiplatelet therapy is indicated for clients at risk of ischemic stroke or recurrent stroke because it helps prevent platelet aggregation, reducing the likelihood of clot formation in the arteries. This intervention is especially beneficial in clients with a history of transient ischemic attacks or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

B. A client with a vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency primarily affects clotting factor synthesis, leading to a bleeding tendency. Antiplatelet therapy would increase the risk of bleeding in these clients, making it contraindicated rather than indicated.

C. A client with a low platelet count: Clients with thrombocytopenia are already at risk for bleeding, and antiplatelet therapy would further impair clot formation, increasing the potential for hemorrhage. It is therefore avoided in these situations.

D. A client diagnosed with leukemia: Leukemia can be associated with low platelet counts or abnormal platelet function, placing the client at risk for bleeding. Administering antiplatelet therapy could exacerbate hemorrhagic complications rather than provide benefit.