A client is admitted following a motor vehicle collision.
When assessing the client's level of consciousness, the nurse notes that the client no longer responds to commands.
The nurse initiates a painful stimulus and the client responds by pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward.
Which action should the nurse implement?

The correct answer is: C. Bronchospasm.

Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker, primarily affecting the heart, but it can still have some impact on beta-2 receptors in the lungs. In clients with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, beta-blockers can trigger bronchospasm, leading to breathing difficulties.

Here's why the other options are less likely to be adverse effects of metoprolol:

• A. Tachycardia: Metoprolol actually lowers heart rate, so tachycardia is not a typical adverse effect. Instead, bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more common.

• B. Hyperglycemia: Beta-blockers can sometimes mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, but they don’t directly cause high blood sugar.

• D. Hyperkalemia: Metoprolol doesn’t significantly affect potassium levels, so hyperkalemia is not a common concern.

Since metoprolol is frequently used in hypertension management, nurses must monitor clients for bradycardia, hypotension, and signs of bronchospasm, especially in individuals with respiratory disorders.

Choice A rationale:

Prescribing medication for immediate relief is not the primary goal when establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder. While medication may be a part of the treatment plan, the primary focus should be on building trust and addressing the client's emotional needs.

Choice B rationale:

Educating the client about various relaxation techniques can be beneficial, but it is not the primary goal of establishing a therapeutic relationship. The primary goal is to create a trusting and supportive environment in which the client feels comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client in challenging irrational thoughts is an important aspect of cognitive-behavioral therapy, but it is not the primary goal of establishing the therapeutic relationship. Building rapport and trust come first.

Choice D rationale:

Developing measurable and realistic outcomes is the primary goal when establishing a therapeutic relationship. These outcomes provide a framework for assessing progress and ensuring that the therapeutic interventions are effective in addressing the client's anxiety disorder.