The nurse is providing care for a client diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and hypertension who is complaining of chest pain. Which medication should the nurse administer?

Choice A reason: Performing daily weights is the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide, a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ Daily weights can help monitor the changes in the client's fluid status and the effectiveness of the drug. The nurse should weigh the client at the same time each day, using the same scale and clothing.

Choice B reason: Taking the blood pressure is not the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide. Furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ However, blood pressure can be influenced by many other factors, such as heart rate, stress, or medications. Blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of the client's fluid status or the effectiveness of the drug.

Choice C reason: Auscultating breath sounds is not the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide. Furosemide can help improve the breath sounds by reducing the fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath or crackles. ¹ However, breath sounds can also be affected by other factors, such as lung infections, asthma, or allergies. Breath sounds are not a reliable indicator of the client's fluid status or the effectiveness of the drug.

Choice D reason: Measuring urinary output is not the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide. Furosemide can increase the urinary output by stimulating the kidneys to excrete more water and electrolytes. ¹ However, urinary output can also vary depending on the fluid intake, kidney function, or other medications. Urinary output is not a reliable indicator of the client's fluid status or the effectiveness of the drug.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.