A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for propranolol for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Withhold the medication if the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg.
Request a dosage increase if the apical heart rate is less than 60/min.
Inform the client to expect increased hair growth.
Administer the medication with an antacid.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Withholding the medication if the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg is an appropriate action, as propranolol is a beta-blocker that can lower blood pressure and cause hypotension, which can impair tissue perfusion and cause dizziness, fainting, or shock.
Choice B reason: Requesting a dosage increase if the apical heart rate is less than 60/min is an inappropriate action, as propranolol can slow down the heart rate and cause bradycardia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the apical pulse before administering propranolol and withhold it if it is less than 60/min.
Choice C reason: Informing the client to expect increased hair growth is an incorrect statement, as propranolol does not cause hypertrichosis or excessive hair growth. However, another beta-blocker, minoxidil, can cause this side effect.
Choice D reason: Administering the medication with an antacid is not an appropriate action, as antacids can interfere with the absorption of propranolol and reduce its effectiveness. The nurse should administer propranolol on an empty stomach or with food that does not contain antacids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying moist heat to the incision while in bed is not an appropriate instruction, as it can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, or swelling at the site. The nurse should instruct the client to keep the incision dry and covered with a sterile dressing.
Choice B reason: Performing range of motion by adducting the hip is not an appropriate instruction, as it can cause dislocation or damage to the prosthesis. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid crossing their legs or turning their toes inward and to use an abduction pillow or wedge between their legs.
Choice C reason: Sitting in a straight-backed chair is an appropriate instruction, as it can prevent flexion contractures and promote circulation and healing in the hip joint. The nurse should instruct the client to use a raised toilet seat and a chair with armrests and avoid sitting for longer than 45 min at a time.
Choice D reason: Cleansing the surgical incision with hydrogen peroxide is not an appropriate instruction, as it can irritate or damage the tissue and delay wound healing. The nurse should instruct the client to use mild soap and water or saline solution to clean the incision and pat it dry gently.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blurred vision is not an expected side effect of digoxin, but a sign of digoxin toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because digoxin can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, clients taking digoxin need to have their potassium levels monitored regularly and consume foods rich in potassium.
Choice C reason: Antacids can interfere with the absorption of digoxin and reduce its effectiveness. Clients taking digoxin should avoid taking antacids within two hours of taking the medication.
Choice D reason: Weighing oneself every other day is not related to digoxin therapy, but to fluid balance. Clients with heart failure, who are often prescribed digoxin, need to monitor their weight daily and report any significant changes to their health care provider.
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