Which action should the nurse implement to assess the effectiveness of amlodipine?

A. Monitor the client's serum electrolytes:
Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, primarily affects blood pressure and not directly electrolyte levels. Monitoring electrolytes is more relevant for medications that affect electrolyte balance, such as diuretics or certain antihypertensives.

B. Measure the client's blood pressure:
Amlodipine is used to treat hypertension and angina by relaxing blood vessels. The primary measure of its effectiveness is the reduction in blood pressure. Therefore, measuring the client’s blood pressure is crucial to assess whether the medication is effectively managing hypertension.

C. Review the client's intake and output:
While monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance and kidney function, it is not the primary method for evaluating the effectiveness of amlodipine in controlling blood pressure.

D. Note the client's serum calcium levels:
Amlodipine affects calcium channels but does not directly influence serum calcium levels significantly. Serum calcium levels are not used to assess the effectiveness of amlodipine in treating hypertension or angina.

A) Apply a pulse oximeter to the client per protocol: The priority intervention is to monitor the client’s respiratory status closely when initiating a continuous epidural infusion with an opioid analgesic. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, and using a pulse oximeter helps in detecting any drop in oxygen saturation, allowing for timely intervention if respiratory issues arise.

B) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter per protocol: While an indwelling urinary catheter might be used in some cases for convenience and monitoring, it is not the immediate priority in the context of starting an epidural opioid infusion. The primary concern is monitoring for respiratory depression and ensuring the client’s safety with the opioid medication.

C) Administer an antiemetic per PRN prescription: Administering an antiemetic may be necessary if the client experiences nausea, which is a potential side effect of opioids. However, the more immediate concern when starting an opioid infusion is ensuring the client’s respiratory function is stable.

D) Administer a stool softener per PRN protocol: Stool softeners might be required to manage opioid-induced constipation, but this is not the most urgent concern when starting the medication. The immediate priority is monitoring respiratory status to prevent potential complications associated with opioid use.