A nurse is reviewing laboratory results of a client who has atrial fibrillation and is taking warfarin. For which of the following results should the nurse notify the provider?

Choice A reason: The client has a history of hypertension is not the correct answer. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is abnormally high, usually above 140/90 mmHg. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that lowers the blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart. Propranolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris, which is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, as it is consistent with the prescription.

Choice B reason: The client has a history of hypothyroidism is not the correct answer. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and energy levels. Propranolol can mask some of the signs of hypothyroidism, such as tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety. Propranolol can also interfere with the absorption and conversion of thyroid hormones. The nurse should monitor the client's thyroid function tests and report any abnormal values to the provider, but this finding is not a contraindication to the use of propranolol.

Choice C reason: The client has a history of bronchial asthma is the correct answer. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks the beta-1 receptors in the heart and the beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Blocking the beta-2 receptors can cause bronchoconstriction, which can worsen the symptoms of asthma and trigger an asthma attack. Propranolol is contraindicated in clients who have bronchial asthma, and the nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately.

Choice D reason: The client has a history of migraine headaches is not the correct answer. Migraine headaches are recurrent episodes of severe and throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Propranolol is effective in preventing migraine headaches, as it reduces the frequency and severity of the attacks. Propranolol is indicated for the prophylaxis of migraine headaches, and the nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, as it is consistent with the prescription.

Choice A reason: "Place one tablet under your tongue every 5 minutes for 30 minutes to relieve chest pain." is not the correct statement. This is an incorrect and potentially dangerous instruction, as it can cause overdose and severe hypotension. The nurse should instruct the client to place one tablet under the tongue at the first sign of chest pain, and repeat every 5 minutes for up to three doses, if needed. The client should call 911 if the pain is not relieved after the first dose.

Choice B reason: "Nitroglycerin decreases chest pain by dissolving blood clots that are occluding the arteries." is not the correct statement. This is a false and misleading explanation of how nitroglycerin works. Nitroglycerin does not dissolve blood clots, nor does it affect the occlusion of the arteries. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, especially the veins. This reduces the preload and the oxygen demand of the heart, and relieves the chest pain caused by ischemia.

Choice C reason: "You can store the bottle of tablets in your bathroom medicine cabinet." is not the correct statement. This is an inappropriate and unsafe storage recommendation, as it can affect the potency and effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should instruct the client to store the bottle of tablets in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from heat, moisture, and light. The client should also keep the bottle tightly closed and replace it every 6 months, or as directed by the provider.

Choice D reason: "Nitroglycerin dilates cardiac blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart." is the correct statement. This is a simple and accurate description of how nitroglycerin helps to relieve anginal pain. Nitroglycerin dilates the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This improves the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the ischemic areas of the heart, and reduces the pain and discomfort.