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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having a bologna sandwich is not a good choice for a client who has hypertension, as bologna is a processed meat that contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat, which can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Choice B reason: Seasoning food with vinegar is a good choice for a client who has hypertension, as vinegar is a low-sodium condiment that can add flavor and acidity to food without increasing blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Seasoning food with ketchup is not a good choice for a client who has hypertension, as ketchup is a high-sodium condiment that can increase blood pressure and fluid retention.
Choice D reason: Having canned soup is not a good choice for a client who has hypertension, as canned soup is a high-sodium food that can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. The client should choose low-sodium or homemade soup instead.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Performing breast exams every other month is not an adequate frequency, as it can delay the detection of any changes or abnormalities. The client should perform breast exams monthly, preferably a few days after their period ends.
Choice B reason: Having one breast larger than the other is a common variation and not a cause for concern, unless there is a sudden change in size or shape. The client should be aware of their normal breast appearance and report any changes to their provider.
Choice C reason: Performing breast exams the day their period begins is not an optimal time, as their breasts may be swollen, tender, or lumpy due to hormonal fluctuations. The client should perform breast exams when their breasts are not affected by their menstrual cycle, such as a week after their period ends.
Choice D reason: Having skin dimpling on their breasts is not a common variation and may indicate an underlying tumor that pulls on the connective tissue and causes puckering of the skin. The client should inspect their breasts for any changes in skin texture, such as dimpling, peau d'orange, or redness, and report them to their provider.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today