A nurse caring for a client who has hypertension and asks the nurse about a prescription for propranolol. The nurse should inform the client that this medication is contraindicated in clients who have a history of which of the following conditions?

A. Hyponatremia: Hyponatremia is characterized by low sodium levels in the blood and can lead to symptoms such as weakness, confusion, and seizures. While hyponatremia can contribute to fluid imbalance, the client's presentation with shortness of breath, lower extremity swelling, crackles in the lungs, and elevated blood pressure is more indicative of fluid volume excess rather than hyponatremia.

B. Hypervolemia: Hypervolemia, or fluid volume excess, occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the extracellular fluid volume. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, crackles in the lungs (indicative of pulmonary edema), peripheral edema, and elevated blood pressure. Given the client's reported symptoms and assessment findings, hypervolemia is the most likely diagnosis.

C. Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia, or fluid volume deficit, occurs when there is a decrease in the extracellular fluid volume. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as thirst, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and hypotension. The client in this scenario presents with signs and symptoms consistent with fluid volume excess rather than hypovolemia.

D. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood and can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and nausea. While hyperkalemia can occur in clients with end-stage kidney disease, the client's reported symptoms and assessment findings are more suggestive of fluid volume excess rather than hyperkalemia.

A. Raise the bed to a comfortable height:
Raising the bed to a comfortable height is essential for proper body mechanics and preventing back strain. It ensures the nurse can perform the procedure efficiently and safely.

B. Stand on the left side of the bed:
While a left-handed nurse might prefer to stand on the left side for better access, this choice depends on the room layout and client position. Standing on the side where the nurse is most comfortable is essential, but it is not the primary action compared to ensuring proper bed height.

C. Raise the side rail on the working side of the bed:
Raising the side rail on the working side of the bed could obstruct the nurse's access to the client and is not generally recommended during procedures requiring close access to the client.

D. Use the non-dominant hand to insert the catheter:
The dominant hand, in this case, the left hand, should be used to insert the catheter for better control and precision. The non-dominant hand is typically used to hold the genitalia and provide stability.