A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

Choice A reason: Administering aspirin is one of the first interventions for a client experiencing acute angina because aspirin has antiplatelet properties that help prevent blood clots, which can reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Choice B reason: Measuring blood pressure is important but not the first action to take. It provides valuable information about the cardiovascular status of the client and can influence further treatment decisions.

Choice C reason: Administering nitroglycerin is a priority action for acute angina as it helps to dilate the coronary arteries and relieve chest pain. However, it is typically administered after aspirin unless contraindicated.

Choice D reason: Initiating IV access is an important step in the management of acute angina, as it allows for the administration of medications and fluids if needed. However, it is not the first action to take during an acute angina episode.

Choice A reason: Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. While there are risks associated with any surgery, thyroidectomy is not typically associated with fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES is more commonly linked to orthopedic procedures and trauma, particularly those involving long bones.

Choice B reason: Internal fixation of a fractured hip is a procedure that carries a risk for developing FES. FES is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when fat globules enter the bloodstream and lodge within the blood vessels of the lungs or other organs. Hip fractures, especially those involving the long bones, can result in the release of fat globules into the bloodstream during the surgical repair process. Early surgical fixation is thought to reduce the risk of FES.

Choice C reason: Repair of a torn rotator cuff involves the shoulder joint and, while it is a significant surgical procedure, it is not typically associated with a high risk of FES. The rotator cuff is composed of muscles and tendons, and its repair does not usually involve manipulation of the long bones where fat embolism is more likely to occur.

Choice D reason: Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a hole in the eardrum. It is an otologic procedure that does not involve the long bones or orthopedic manipulation. Therefore, it is not associated with a risk of developing FES.