The nurse observes a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is excessively drooling and prepares to suction the client's oral cavity.
Which action should the nurse include?

The correct answer is: C. Bronchospasm.

Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker, primarily affecting the heart, but it can still have some impact on beta-2 receptors in the lungs. In clients with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, beta-blockers can trigger bronchospasm, leading to breathing difficulties.

Here's why the other options are less likely to be adverse effects of metoprolol:

• A. Tachycardia: Metoprolol actually lowers heart rate, so tachycardia is not a typical adverse effect. Instead, bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more common.

• B. Hyperglycemia: Beta-blockers can sometimes mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, but they don’t directly cause high blood sugar.

• D. Hyperkalemia: Metoprolol doesn’t significantly affect potassium levels, so hyperkalemia is not a common concern.

Since metoprolol is frequently used in hypertension management, nurses must monitor clients for bradycardia, hypotension, and signs of bronchospasm, especially in individuals with respiratory disorders.

The correct answer is Choice B: Advise the client that lifestyle changes often take several weeks to be effective.

Choice B rationale: Exercise is known to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep; however, these benefits may not be immediate. Lifestyle modifications, such as incorporating regular physical activity, typically require several weeks before noticeable improvements in sleep patterns and overall health are observed. By informing the client about this expected timeframe, the nurse promotes realistic expectations and encourages adherence to the exercise program.

Choice A rationale: Encouraging daily exercise to eliminate bedtime wakefulness may be counterproductive, as overexertion can lead to increased arousal and impaired sleep quality. Additionally, daily exercise might be too rigorous or impractical for some individuals, potentially leading to burnout or injury. It is essential to tailor exercise recommendations to the client's fitness level, preferences, and goals.

Choice C rationale: While obtaining information about the client's exercise schedule is helpful in assessing their adherence and progress, it does not directly address the issue of sleep onset difficulties. The nurse should focus on providing education and guidance on the expected timeline for observing sleep improvements with exercise.

Choice D rationale: Weight loss is a potential outcome of increased physical activity but is not directly correlated with improvements in sleep onset latency. Focusing solely on weight loss may overlook other essential aspects of sleep hygiene and healthy lifestyle changes. The nurse should emphasize the broader benefits of exercise and provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the client's concerns.