The practical nurse (PN) is completing a focused assessment on a client who is prescribed oxygen at 3 liters per minute by nasal cannula. Which assessment finding by the PN requires immediate action?

Choice A rationale:
Increased temperature alone is not a sufficient indication for pain medication in a post-pyloromyotomy infant. Fever can have various causes, and pain should be assessed based on other factors.
Choice B rationale:
Increased pulse rate can be an indication of pain in an infant following surgery like pyloromyotomy. It's important to assess the overall clinical picture and consider pain management if other signs are present.
Choice C rationale:
Increased respiratory rate alone is not a specific indicator of pain in a post-pyloromyotomy infant. Respiratory rate can vary for many reasons, so it should not be the sole criterion for pain management.
Choice D rationale:
Increased pulse rate is a potential sign of pain in a post-pyloromyotomy infant and should be considered when assessing the need for pain medication.
Choice E rationale:
Restlessness is often a sign of discomfort or pain in infants. Restlessness, along with other clinical indicators, can guide the decision to administer pain medication.
Choice F rationale:
Clenched fists can be a sign of discomfort or pain in infants, and it should be considered when assessing the need for pain management.

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.