A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for metoprolol. The nurse measures the client's vital signs and notes that the client's apical heart rate is 49/min. The nurse should prepare to administer which of the following medications?

A. The ST segment is elevated above the isoelectric line: This is correct. ST-segment elevation is a key ECG finding in acute myocardial infarction. It indicates that a portion of the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood (ischemia), which can lead to tissue damage or death (infarction).

B. The PR intervals are 0.15 second: While the PR interval is an important part of the ECG, a PR interval of 0.15 second is within the normal range and does not indicate an acute myocardial infarction.

C. The QT interval is equal to the R to R interval: The QT interval represents the time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave, encompassing ventricular depolarization and repolarization. While prolonged or shortened QT intervals can be associated with certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific indicators of an acute myocardial infarction.

D. The QRS intervals are 0.08 second: The QRS interval represents ventricular depolarization1. A QRS interval of 0.08 second is within the normal range and does not indicate an acute myocardial infarction.

(A) "A heating pad will be used on the operative site to help reduce pain.":
Using a heating pad on the operative site is generally not recommended post-surgery, as it can increase bleeding and swelling. Cold therapy is usually preferred to help reduce pain and inflammation.

(B) "You will use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine several times a day.":
Continuous passive motion machines are typically used after knee replacement surgeries, not hip replacement surgeries. Therefore, this statement would not be accurate for a total hip replacement.

(C) "Expect to remain in bed for at least the first 24 hours.":
Early mobilization is crucial after hip replacement surgery to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery. Patients are usually encouraged to get out of bed and start moving with assistance as soon as possible, often within the first 24 hours.

(D) "You will use a special soap to shower with the evening before your surgery.":
Using a special antiseptic soap before surgery is a common preoperative instruction to help reduce the risk of infection. This statement is correct and should be included in the preoperative teaching.