A nurse is caring for a client who has developed agranulocytosis as a result of taking propylthiouracil to treat hyperthyroidism. The nurse should understand that this client is at increased risk for which of the following conditions?

Choice A reason: "I'll be sure to eat more foods with vitamin K." is not the correct statement. Vitamin K is a nutrient that helps the blood to clot. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the action of vitamin K and prevents the formation of blood clots. Eating more foods with vitamin K can counteract the effect of warfarin and increase the risk of thrombosis. The client should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and avoid sudden changes in their diet.

Choice B reason: "I'll take aspirin for my headaches." is not the correct statement. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time. Taking aspirin with warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. The client should avoid taking any NSAIDs without consulting their provider. The client should use acetaminophen or other non-NSAID pain relievers for their headaches.

Choice C reason: "I'll use my electric razor for shaving." is the correct statement. Using an electric razor for shaving can reduce the risk of cuts and bleeding. The client should avoid using sharp objects or instruments that can cause injury or trauma. The client should also use a soft toothbrush and floss gently to prevent bleeding gums.

Choice D reason: "It's okay to have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner each evening." is not the correct statement. Alcohol can interact with warfarin and affect its metabolism and effectiveness. Drinking alcohol with warfarin can either increase or decrease the blood levels of warfarin and alter the international normalized ratio (INR), which is a measure of the blood's clotting ability. The client should limit their alcohol intake and monitor their INR regularly.

Choice A reason: Ototoxicity is not a severe reaction to propranolol, but it may occur with some other medications, such as aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, or salicylates. Ototoxicity may damage the inner ear or the auditory nerve and cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. The nurse should assess the client's medication history and monitor the client's hearing function.

Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is not a severe reaction to propranolol, but it may occur with some other medications, such as thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, or insulin. Hypokalemia may cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should advise the client to eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, or potatoes, and to have regular blood tests to check the electrolyte levels.

Choice C reason: Tachycardia is not a severe reaction to propranolol, but it may be a sign of overdose, withdrawal, or rebound effect. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that lowers the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Propranolol may cause bradycardia, not tachycardia, as a side effect. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and advise the client to take the medication as prescribed and not to stop it abruptly.

Choice D reason: Postural hypotension is a severe reaction to propranolol, as it may cause dizziness, fainting, or falls. Postural hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops significantly when the client changes position, such as from lying to sitting or standing. Propranolol may cause postural hypotension by reducing the vascular tone and the cardiac output. The nurse should instruct the client to change position slowly and to report any symptoms of postural hypotension to the provider.