The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol PO to a client with hypertension. The client's vital signs are a temperature of 99° F (37.2° C), a heart rate of 48 beats/minute, respirations of 16 breaths/minute, and a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Assess for orthostatic hypotension before administering the dose.
Administer the dose and monitor the client's blood pressure regularly.
Withhold the scheduled dose and notify the healthcare provider.
Apply a telemetry monitor before administering the dose.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Assessing for orthostatic hypotension is important when administering medications that can lower blood pressure, but in this scenario, the vital signs indicate bradycardia (heart rate of 48 beats/minute), which may be a contraindication for administering labetalol. Therefore, withholding the dose and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority.
B) Administering the dose and monitoring the client's blood pressure regularly could potentially worsen bradycardia and hypotension, especially given the client's current vital signs. It is safer to withhold the dose and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
C) Withholding the scheduled dose and notifying the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action in this situation. The client's bradycardia, along with the hypertension, raises concern about the safety of administering labetalol without further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan.
D) Applying a telemetry monitor may be warranted if the client's bradycardia is of concern, but it does not address the potential risk associated with administering labetalol to a client with a heart rate of 48 beats/minute. The priority is to withhold the medication and inform the healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) A total calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) is critically low, as the normal reference range for total calcium is between 9 to 10.4 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications such as tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. Before administering methylprednisolone, which can further decrease calcium levels and contribute to osteoporosis, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to address the client's low calcium level. This may involve correcting the calcium deficiency before proceeding with the administration of the
B) If a healthcare provider orders a calcium supplement for the client, administering it would be appropriate to help correct the hypocalcemia before administering methylprednisolone. However, in the absence of a direct order, the nurse should first notify the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's calcium levels are addressed appropriately before proceeding with any medication that could exacerbate the issue. The priority is to manage the low calcium levels before administering corticosteroids like methylprednisolone.
C) Administering methylprednisolone with a glass of milk may help with calcium absorption; however, this does not directly address the critical issue of hypocalcemia. The nurse must first prioritize notifying the healthcare provider and correcting the calcium imbalance before proceeding with medication administration.
D) Tapering the dose of methylprednisolone is not immediately appropriate based on the low calcium level alone. Methylprednisolone is often tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but the nurse's first priority is to address the client's hypocalcemia, which can have more immediate clinical consequences. The focus should be on stabilizing the calcium level first.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Irritable bowel syndrome: While it's im’ortant to consider the client's me’ical history comprehensively, sumatriptan succinate is primarily contraindicated in clients with a history of coronary artery disease due to its potential vasoconstrictive effects.
B) Coronary artery disease: This is the correct response. Sumatriptan succinate is contraindicated in clients with a history of coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease due to its potential to cause coronary vasospasm and increase the risk of myocardial ischemia or infarction.
C) Type 2 diabetes mellitus: While it's im’ortant to consider the client's ov’rall medical history, type 2 diabetes mellitus is not specifically contraindicated with sumatriptan succinate use.
D) Seasonal allergic rhinitis: While seasonal allergic rhinitis is relevant to the client's me’ical history, it is not directly related to the contraindications of sumatriptan succinate.
Therefore, the most crucial consideration before administering sumatriptan succinate is to determine if the client has a history of coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease to avoid potential adverse cardiac effects.
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