A nurse is assessing a clie”t prior to administering atenolol. Which of the following findings should prompt the nurse to withhold the medication?

A) Orthostatic hypotension is indicated by a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg:
Orthostatic hypotension is typically defined by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within three minutes of standing up. Diastolic blood pressure alone is not the primary indicator of orthostatic hypotension.

B) Orthostatic hypotension is indicated by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg:
While a decrease in systolic blood pressure is a component of orthostatic hypotension, the criterion for diagnosing orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within three minutes of standing up.

C) Orthostatic hypotension increases a client's risk of a fall:
This statement is correct. Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.

D) Orthostatic hypotension increases a client's risk of a pulmonary emboli:
Orthostatic hypotension is not directly associated with an increased risk of pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary embolism is a separate condition involving a blockage in the pulmonary artery or its branches, typically caused by a blood clot."

A) Loss of protective respiratory mechanisms due to prolonged irritation or damage:
Individuals with COPD often experience a progressive loss of protective respiratory mechanisms over time. Chronic exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke leads to inflammation, structural changes in the airways, and destruction of lung tissue, impairing the body's ability to clear mucus, trap foreign particles, and maintain normal lung function. This loss of protective mechanisms contributes to the hallmark symptoms of COPD, including airflow limitation, chronic cough, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

B) Localized swelling and inflammation within the lungs:
While inflammation is a hallmark feature of COPD, it typically manifests as widespread inflammation throughout the lungs rather than localized swelling. In COPD, chronic exposure to irritants leads to a systemic inflammatory response that affects the entire respiratory tract, including the bronchi and alveoli. This inflammation contributes to airway obstruction, mucus hypersecretion, and the development of respiratory symptoms.

C) An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract:
While individuals with COPD are at increased risk of respiratory infections, including viral infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COPD itself is a chronic, progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation. Acute viral infections may exacerbate COPD symptoms and lead to worsening respiratory function, but they are not inherent features of the disease itself.

D) Inflammation and swelling of the sinus membranes over a prolonged period:
Sinus inflammation and swelling, known as sinusitis, are not typically considered primary features of COPD. While individuals with COPD may experience comorbid conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis, which can contribute to respiratory symptoms and exacerbations, sinus inflammation is not a defining characteristic of the disease.