A nurse is collecting data from a client prior to administering atenolol.
For which of the following findings should the nurse withhold the medication?
Heart rate 50/min.
Respiratory rate 18/min.
Oxygen saturation 95%.
Blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Heart rate 50/min.
Choice A rationale:
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can significantly lower heart rate. A heart rate of 50/min is considered bradycardia (slow heart rate), and administering atenolol could further decrease the heart rate to a dangerously low level. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication in this case.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not contraindicate the use of atenolol. Therefore, this finding would not require withholding the medication.
Choice C rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range (typically 95-100%) and does not contraindicate the use of atenolol. Thus, this finding would not necessitate withholding the medication.
Choice D rationale:
While a blood pressure of 160/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension, atenolol is often prescribed to manage high blood pressure. Therefore, this finding would not require withholding the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not typically associated with low calcium levels. Hypertension is more commonly linked to issues with blood pressure regulation and not calcium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct symptom of low calcium levels. Low calcium can lead to muscle cramps and tetany, but not sweating.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle tetany is a common manifestation of low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). It results from increased neuromuscular excitability, causing muscle spasms and contractions. A calcium level of 7 mg/dL is below the normal range, and this client is at risk for muscle tetany.
Choice D rationale:
Increased thirst is not a typical symptom of low calcium levels. Symptoms of hypocalcemia are primarily related to neuromuscular and cardiovascular changes, such as muscle tetany and cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chloride 99 mEq/L. Rationale: A chloride level of 99 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is typically around 96-106 mEq/L. There is no need to report this value to the provider as it is not indicative of a significant abnormality.
Choice C rationale:
Magnesium 1.9 mg/dL. Rationale: A magnesium level of 1.9 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is generally about 1.5-2.5 mg/dL. This value is not indicative of a significant abnormality and does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Potassium 3.6 mEq/L. Rationale: A potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is typically around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. While it's on the lower side of the normal range, it is not low enough to warrant immediate reporting to the provider. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the client's potassium levels and address any potential issues if they persist or worsen.
Choice B rationale:
Sodium 126 mEq/L. Rationale: A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, which is typically around 135-145 mEq/L. Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, can be a serious condition that can lead to neurological symptoms and other complications. Therefore, the nurse should promptly report this finding to the provider so that appropriate interventions can be initiated.
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