A nurse is collecting data from a client prior to administration of verapamil. Which of the following findings indicates a need to withhold the medication?
Blood pressure 170/82 mm Hg.
Respiratory rate 18/min.
Pulse rate 48/min.
Potassium 4 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is C
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. A normal pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A pulse rate of 48/min is too low and indicates bradycardia, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrest. Verapamil should not be given to patients with bradycardia or heart block.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure 170/82 mm Hg is high and verapamil can help lower it. A normal blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Choice B is wrong because respiratory rate 18/min is normal and verapamil does not affect it. A normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
Choice D is wrong because potassium 4 mEq/L is normal and verapamil does not affect it. A normal potassium level for adults is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“I will turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove.” This indicates that the guardian understands how to prevent the toddler from pulling a pot off the stove and getting burned.
Choice B is wrong because a child’s car seat should be rear-facing until the child is at least 2 years old or reaches the maximum height and weight for the seat.
Choice C is wrong because the temperature of the water heater should be set to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding injuries.
Choice D is wrong because drop-side cribs are banned in the United States due to the risk of entrapment and suffocation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This action indicates that the charge nurse should intervene because adding food coloring to the tube feeding is not recommended and can cause adverse effects such as aspiration, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Choice A is wrong because checking the volume of the aspirate is a correct action to assess gastric residual volume and prevent complications such as nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
Choice B is wrong because checking the pH of the aspirate is a correct action to verify the placement of the NG tube and prevent accidental administration of enteral feeding into the lungs.
Choice C is wrong because administering 15 mL of water before administering the feeding is a correct action to flush the NG tube and prevent clogging.
Normal ranges for gastric residual volume are less than 250 mL for adults and less than 5 mL/kg for children. Normal ranges for pH of gastric aspirate are less than 5.5 for adults and less than 4 for children.
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