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: Increasing the intake of dietary fiber is not related to the instruction for carvedilol. Dietary fiber is beneficial for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, but it does not affect the action or side effects of carvedilol. The client should follow a balanced diet that is low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. Changing from a lying to sitting position slowly is an important instruction for carvedilol. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that lowers the blood pressure and the heart rate. It can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, or falls. The client should change positions gradually and avoid sudden movements.

Choice C reason: Expecting weight gain of 6-8 pounds is not an instruction for carvedilol. Weight gain is not a common or expected side effect of carvedilol. It can indicate fluid retention, which can worsen the heart condition and the blood pressure. The client should monitor their weight regularly and report any significant changes to the health care provider.

Choice D reason: Taking the medication after eating breakfast is not an instruction for carvedilol. Carvedilol can be taken with or without food, depending on the client's preference and tolerance. The important thing is to take the medication at the same time every day and not to skip or double the doses.

Choice A reason: This is the most concerning result for the nurse. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which can be a complication of hypertension. The normal range of creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. A creatinine level of 3.2 mg/dL is more than twice the upper limit of normal and suggests severe kidney damage.

Choice B reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves and muscles, especially the heart. The normal range of potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, but not enough to cause serious problems. A low potassium level can be caused by diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level and symptoms, and advise the client to eat foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Choice C reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. The normal range of hemoglobin is 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for women. A hemoglobin level of 12.8 g/dL is within the normal range for women and slightly below the normal range for men, but not enough to cause significant anemia. A low hemoglobin level can be caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, or bone marrow disorders. The nurse should assess the client's history, diet, and symptoms, and check for other signs of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Choice D reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A high BUN level indicates impaired kidney function or dehydration. The normal range of BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is at the upper limit of normal, but not enough to indicate serious kidney problems. The nurse should ensure that the client is well hydrated and monitor the client's urine output and specific gravity.