The nurse is caring for a patient who has been taking metoprolol as a second medication to control hypertension. The nurse will assess for which side effect?

A. Dry skin:
Dry skin is not a commonly reported side effect of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure management. While dry skin can occur due to various reasons, it is less likely to be directly associated with diltiazem use. Therefore, it is not the side effect that the nurse should prioritize instructing the patient to report to the provider.

B. Burning sensation:
Although burning sensation is not a common side effect of diltiazem, it can occasionally occur as a skin reaction or hypersensitivity reaction to the medication. While this symptom may warrant attention, it is generally less concerning compared to other potential side effects of diltiazem. Therefore, while it is important for the patient to report any unusual sensations or discomfort, burning sensation alone may not be the most critical side effect to report.

C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is a potential side effect of diltiazem use. Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem can affect gastrointestinal motility and lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea. While diarrhea can be bothersome and may indicate intolerance to the medication, it is generally considered a common side effect rather than a severe adverse reaction. Therefore, while the nurse should educate the patient about the possibility of diarrhea and encourage reporting any persistent or severe cases, it may not be the most critical side effect to report to the provider.

D. Irregular heart rate:
Irregular heart rate, including bradycardia or tachycardia, is a significant and potentially serious side effect of diltiazem. As a calcium channel blocker, diltiazem can affect cardiac conduction, leading to alterations in heart rate and rhythm. Irregular heart rate can indicate a significant cardiovascular complication and may require prompt medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize instructing the patient to report any changes in heart rate, including palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or irregular pulse, to the provider immediately.

A. "It eliminates the clotting factors." - This statement suggests a misunderstanding of how enoxaparin works. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that does not eliminate clotting factors but rather inhibits the activity of factor Xa, a key enzyme involved in the coagulation cascade. By inhibiting factor Xa, enoxaparin prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, thereby reducing the formation of fibrin clots. It does not eliminate existing clotting factors from the bloodstream.

B. "This medication will keep the blood clot from growing larger." - This statement demonstrates a correct understanding of enoxaparin's mechanism of action. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by preventing the enlargement of existing blood clots. By inhibiting the activity of factor Xa, enoxaparin prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, thereby reducing the formation of fibrin clots and preventing existing clots from growing larger.

C. "This medication will decrease my risk for bleeding." - This statement is incorrect. Enoxaparin, like other anticoagulants, actually increases the risk of bleeding due to its mechanism of action. By inhibiting the coagulation cascade, enoxaparin prolongs the time it takes for blood to clot, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, particularly in patients who are predisposed to bleeding or are taking other medications that affect clotting.

D. "I will get this medication in my veins." - This statement is incorrect. Enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously, not intravenously. It is usually injected into the fatty tissue of the abdomen or thigh using a prefilled syringe with a short, thin needle. The subcutaneous route of administration allows for slow absorption and sustained anticoagulant effects over time.