Which of the following is most important for the nurse to include with calcium channel blockers?

Choice A reason: Using a soft bristled tooth brush can prevent gum bleeding and irritation that may occur with a hard bristled tooth brush. Gum bleeding can be a sign of excessive anticoagulation and increased risk of bleeding.

Choice B reason: Reporting black or bloody bowel movements is important because it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a serious complication of warfarin therapy. Gastrointestinal bleeding can cause anemia, shock, and even death if not treated promptly.

Choice C reason: Limiting all fruits and vegetables is not necessary for a client taking warfarin. However, some fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in vitamin K, can interfere with the effect of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage, and some fruits, such as avocado, kiwi, and grapes. The client should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and avoid sudden changes in their diet.

Choice D reason: Reporting coffee ground or bloody emesis is also important because it can indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be another serious complication of warfarin therapy. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can cause hematemesis, melena, anemia, and hypovolemic shock.

Choice E reason: Shaving with an electric razor instead of a razor blade can prevent skin cuts and bleeding that may occur with a razor blade. Skin cuts and bleeding can be a sign of excessive anticoagulation and increased risk of bleeding.

Choice A reason: How to check apical heart rate is not a priority education for this client. Apical heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute that can be heard at the apex of the heart. It can be used to monitor the effect of cardiac medications, such as atenolol or digoxin. This client is taking atenolol, but the nurse can check the client's radial pulse (at the wrist) instead of the apical pulse, unless there is a discrepancy or an irregular rhythm. The nurse should teach the client how to check their radial pulse and report any changes or symptoms.

Choice B reason: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are not a priority education for this client. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and energy of the body. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and depression. This client is not taking any medication that affects the thyroid function, and there is no evidence of hypothyroidism in the client's history or labs. The nurse should assess the client's thyroid function and teach the client about the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Choice C reason: Bleeding precautions are a priority education for this client. Bleeding precautions are measures to prevent or minimize bleeding in clients who are at risk of bleeding, such as those who are taking anticoagulants, have low platelets, or have bleeding disorders. This client is taking warfarin, an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding.

Choice D reason: Increasing potassium rich foods in the diet is not a priority education for this client. Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body. Potassium levels can be affected by medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or potassium supplements. This client is taking captopril, an ACE inhibitor that can increase the potassium level in the blood. The client's potassium level is normal (4.8 mmol/L), and there is no need to increase the intake of potassium rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, or beans. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level and teach the client about the signs and symptoms of high or low potassium, such as muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, or numbness.