A client with renal calculi is experiencing hematuria and reports severe flank pain.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

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.

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.

Choice A rationale: Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide's request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C rationale: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse's responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D rationale: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.