A nurse is collecting data from a client following the administration of a new medication. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of an allergic reaction?

A. Tingling sensation. A mild tingling or paresthesia is a common side effect of sumatriptan due to its vasoconstrictive action. While it should be monitored, it is not typically harmful and does not require immediate medical intervention.

B. Hypertension. Sumatriptan works by constricting blood vessels to relieve migraine symptoms, but it can also cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Severe hypertension can lead to complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. This is the priority finding that requires immediate reporting to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events.

C. Dizziness. Dizziness can occur due to sumatriptan’s vasoconstrictive properties or from the migraine itself. While it can be uncomfortable, it is not an immediate threat to the client’s safety unless it is severe or associated with other neurological symptoms.

D. Flushing. Facial flushing is a known side effect of sumatriptan and is generally harmless. It occurs due to transient vasodilation in the skin and does not indicate a serious adverse reaction. Monitoring is appropriate, but it does not require urgent intervention.

A. Increased Hct. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid medication that reduces excessive thyroid hormone production in Graves' disease. It does not directly affect hematocrit (Hct) levels. While anemia can occur in some clients with untreated hyperthyroidism, PTU itself is not expected to raise Hct.

B. Decreased WBC count. A serious adverse effect of PTU is agranulocytosis, which results in a dangerously low white blood cell (WBC) count, increasing the risk of infection. However, this is a potential complication rather than an expected therapeutic outcome. Clients on PTU require regular monitoring of WBC levels to detect early signs of agranulocytosis.

C. Decreased heart rate. Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, which increases metabolism and leads to symptoms such as tachycardia. PTU works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to a gradual reduction in heart rate as thyroid function normalizes. This is a desired outcome of treatment, helping to reduce cardiovascular strain associated with hyperthyroidism.

D. Increased blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can cause elevated blood pressure due to increased cardiac output. As PTU lowers thyroid hormone levels, blood pressure is expected to decrease or stabilize rather than increase. An increase in blood pressure would be unexpected and may indicate another underlying issue requiring evaluation.