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: WBC count 10,000/mm³ is within the normal range of 4,500 to 11,000/mm³ and does not indicate any infection or inflammation.
Choice B reason: BUN 20 mg/dL is within the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and does not indicate any renal impairment or dehydration.
Choice C reason: Creatinine 2.3 mg/dL is above the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL and indicates renal dysfunction or damage, which can be caused by blood loss, hypotension, or nephrotoxic drugs during surgery. The nurse should report this value to the provider and monitor the client for signs of acute kidney injury, such as oliguria, edema, or electrolyte imbalances.

Choice D reason: Hematocrit 41% is within the normal range of 37% to 47% for females and does not indicate any anemia or polycythemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Purchasing a stoma cap that can cover and conceal the ileostomy when not in use indicates that the client is in the acceptance stage of grieving, as it shows that they have adapted to their new condition and are able to resume their normal activities and social interactions.
Choice B reason: Having their partner empty their pouch for them every morning indicates that the client is in the denial stage of grieving, as it shows that they are avoiding or rejecting their new condition and are dependent on others for their care.
Choice C reason: Being embarrassed by the odor that comes from their ileostomy indicates that the client is in the depression stage of grieving, as it shows that they have low self-esteem and negative feelings about their new condition and its impact on their quality of life.
Choice D reason: Missing going to their church meetings because of their ostomy indicates that the client is in the anger stage of grieving, as it shows that they have resentment and frustration about their new condition and its interference with their previous routines and values.
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