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?

1. pH: Calcium acetate is not directly related to changes in blood pH. Therefore, monitoring pH levels would not indicate the effectiveness of the medication for CKD.

B) Calcium: Calcium levels may be affected by calcium acetate, but the primary goal of using calcium acetate in CKD is to reduce phosphate levels, not calcium levels. Therefore, monitoring calcium levels would not directly indicate the effectiveness of the medication.

C) Potassium: Calcium acetate is not typically used to affect potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels would not indicate the effectiveness of calcium acetate for CKD.

D) Phosphate: This is the correct answer. Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder commonly used in CKD to help lower elevated phosphate levels. A decrease in phosphate levels in the blood would indicate that the medication is having the desired effect in controlling phosphate levels, which is important in managing CKD and preventing complications associated with hyperphosphatemia. Therefore, monitoring phosphate levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of calcium acetate therapy in CKD.

A) While measuring the client’s vital signs is a routine nursing intervention, the reported symptoms of confusion and blurred vision after receiving glipizide suggest the possibility of hypoglycemia. Vital signs may not provide immediate information about the client’s glucose levels or help confirm hypoglycemia. However, if the client’s symptoms persist or worsen, assessing vital signs becomes important to monitor for signs of shock or other complications.

B) Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose is the priority action in this situation. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, leading to lower blood glucose levels. Symptoms such as confusion and blurred vision are indicative of hypoglycemia, a potential adverse effect of glipizide. Checking the client’s blood glucose level will confirm hypoglycemia and guide further interventions.

C) While performing a neurological exam may be warranted if the client’s symptoms persist or if there are concerns about other neurological issues, confirming hypoglycemia with a fingerstick blood glucose test should be the immediate priority.

D) Administering glucagon intramuscularly (IM) is indicated for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious or unable to swallow. However, in this scenario, the client is conscious and able to report symptoms. Before administering glucagon, it is essential to confirm hypoglycemia with a blood glucose measurement to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Therefore, the nurse should promptly obtain a fingerstick blood glucose to confirm hypoglycemia and initiate appropriate treatment for the client’s symptoms.