A client with a history of angina reports the onset of chest pain. The nurse determines that the heart rate is 104 beats/minute and the blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. A transdermal nitroglycerin patch was applied 30 minutes ago to the right upper chest. Which action should the nurse take?

A) A total calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) is critically low, as the normal reference range for total calcium is between 9 to 10.4 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications such as tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. Before administering methylprednisolone, which can further decrease calcium levels and contribute to osteoporosis, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to address the client's low calcium level. This may involve correcting the calcium deficiency before proceeding with the administration of the

B) If a healthcare provider orders a calcium supplement for the client, administering it would be appropriate to help correct the hypocalcemia before administering methylprednisolone. However, in the absence of a direct order, the nurse should first notify the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's calcium levels are addressed appropriately before proceeding with any medication that could exacerbate the issue. The priority is to manage the low calcium levels before administering corticosteroids like methylprednisolone.

C) Administering methylprednisolone with a glass of milk may help with calcium absorption; however, this does not directly address the critical issue of hypocalcemia. The nurse must first prioritize notifying the healthcare provider and correcting the calcium imbalance before proceeding with medication administration.

D) Tapering the dose of methylprednisolone is not immediately appropriate based on the low calcium level alone. Methylprednisolone is often tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but the nurse's first priority is to address the client's hypocalcemia, which can have more immediate clinical consequences. The focus should be on stabilizing the calcium level first.

A) Feverfew may interact with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: This information is crucial to include in the teaching plan because feverfew has been reported to interact with medications such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Clients need to be aware of potential drug interactions to prevent adverse effects and ensure safe use of feverfew.

B) Those with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew: While this is important information to consider, it may not be as immediately relevant to the client's current situation of experiencing fewer headaches with feverfew use. However, it is still important to assess for allergies and sensitivities to prevent allergic reactions.

C) Increased anxiety and nervousness have been reported by those taking feverfew: Although this is a potential side effect of feverfew, it may not be the most important information to include in the teaching plan for a client who is experiencing fewer headaches with feverfew use. The focus should be on the client's positive response to the herbal remedy and potential interactions with other medications.

D) Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur when taking feverfew: While this is important information regarding potential side effects of feverfew, it may not be as immediately relevant to the client's current situation of experiencing fewer headaches with feverfew use. However, clients should be informed about possible adverse effects to monitor for and report to their healthcare provider if they occur.