A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports recently using methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

c. Instruct the client to stand up slowly.

Explanation:

The correct answer is c. Instruct the client to stand up slowly.

Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. One of the common side effects of prazosin is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure when changing positions from lying or sitting to standing.

In this scenario, the client's blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, which indicates hypotension. To prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and related symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, the nurse should instruct the client to stand up slowly. This allows the body time to adjust to the change in position and minimizes the risk of orthostatic hypotension.

Option a, administering a reversal agent, is not necessary in this situation. Reversal agents are used to counteract the effects of specific medications when there is a need to rapidly reverse their actions. There is no indication in the scenario that the client requires a reversal agent.

Option b, initiating cardiac monitoring, is not warranted based solely on a blood pressure reading of 100/60 mm Hg. Cardiac monitoring is typically indicated when there are specific cardiac concerns or symptoms, which are not mentioned in the scenario.

Option d, informing the client to report urinary retention, is a potential side effect of prazosin but is not the most appropriate action to take in this situation. The client's blood pressure is the immediate concern, and addressing orthostatic hypotension by instructing the client to stand up slowly is the appropriate action.

By instructing the client to stand up slowly, the nurse promotes safety and minimizes the risk of orthostatic hypotension, allowing the client to adjust to the change in position and reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptoms related to low blood pressure.

The nurse should recommend that the client who has diminished breath sounds and paradoxical chest movement receive care first. This client is likely experiencing a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.

Option a is incorrect because a client who has a head injury and whose pupils are fixed and dilated may have experienced brain death and may not be able to be resuscitated.

Option b is incorrect because a dislocated shoulder, while painful, is not immediately life-threatening. Option c is incorrect because a scalp laceration with intermittent bleeding can be managed with pressure and is not immediately life-threatening.