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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause a false-positive result on a fecal occult blood screening test, as they can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and cause bleeding.
Choice B reason: Having a hemorrhoidectomy 1 year ago is unlikely to cause a false-positive result on a fecal occult blood screening test, as hemorrhoids are usually a source of bright red blood that can be seen with naked eye, not occult blood that requires chemical detection.
Choice C reason: Having a history of breast cancer is not related to a false-positive result on a fecal occult blood screening test, as breast cancer does not affect the gastrointestinal tract or cause bleeding in stool.
Choice D reason: Consuming citrus juice 3 days before the test is not likely to cause a false-positive result on a fecal occult blood screening test, as citrus juice does not contain any substances that can interfere with the chemical reaction of the test. However, consuming red meat, raw vegetables, vitamin C supplements, or iron supplements within 3 days before the test can cause false-negative results, as they can mask or degrade occult blood in stool.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D: Comparing the reading to the preoperative value is the first action that the nurse should take because it can help determine if the client's blood pressure is normal for them or if it indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of hemorrhage, shock, or infection.
Choice a is not correct because covering the client with a warm blanket is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an intervention that can help prevent hypothermia and shivering, which can increase oxygen demand and blood loss.
Choice b is not correct because increasing the IV fluid rate is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an intervention that can help restore fluid volume and blood pressure, if indicated by other data and prescribed by the provider.
Choice c is not correct because reassuring the client is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an intervention that can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
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