A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for metoprolol (Lopressor). Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?

A. Heart rate of 50 beats per minute

B. Blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg

C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute

D. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C)

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A heart rate of 50 beats per minute is a concerning finding that should be reported before administering metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can further lower the heart rate, so a heart rate of 50 bpm indicates potential bradycardia, which is a contraindication for administering this medication. Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not pose immediate concerns related to metoprolol administration.

Which instruction should the nurse provide to an elderly client who is taking an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker?

• A. Wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors
• B. Report the onset of sore throat
• C. Eat plenty of potassium-rich food
• D. Change the position slowly

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction for an elderly client taking both an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker is to change positions slowly. Both medications can lead to orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, which can increase the risk of falls. Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent falls. Wearing long-sleeved clothing when outdoors does not directly relate to the medication combination. Reporting the onset of a sore throat is important for monitoring potential side effects but is not specific to these medications. While potassium levels should be monitored with ACE inhibitors, eating plenty of potassium-rich foods without guidance can lead to hyperkalemia, a potential side effect of ACE inhibitors.

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 4 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client becomes lethargic and confused. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Decrease the oxygen flow rate
• B. Increase the oxygen flow rate
• C. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
• D. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation level

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to decrease the oxygen flow rate. Clients with COPD are sensitive to high levels of oxygen and can develop oxygen toxicity, leading to symptoms like lethargy and confusion. Decreasing the oxygen flow rate helps prevent this complication. Increasing the oxygen flow rate would worsen the client's condition. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing may not address the immediate issue of oxygen toxicity. While monitoring the client's oxygen saturation level is important, taking action to address the oxygen toxicity by decreasing the flow rate is the priority in this situation.

The nurse is preparing a client for discharge who has a prescription for enoxaparin (Lovenox) self-administration. What information is most important for the nurse to provide the client about this medication?

• A. Self-administration techniques for subcutaneous injection
• B. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K
• C. Signs of bleeding to report to the healthcare provider
• D. Proper disposal of used syringes

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Teaching the client about self-administration techniques for subcutaneous injection is crucial for safe and effective use of enoxaparin. Option A is the correct answer as it directly addresses the client's need to know how to properly administer the medication. Options B, C, and D are important aspects of care but are not the most critical information needed for the client's self-administration of enoxaparin.

In the newborn nursery, the nurse admits a baby from labor and delivery who is suspected of having a congenital heart disease. Which finding helps to confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Pink lips and tongue with cyanotic hands and feet
• B. Respiration rate of 40 and heart rate of 144
• C. Centralized cyanosis and tachycardia when crying
• D. Desquamation from areas of cracked, parchment-like skin

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Centralized cyanosis and tachycardia are classic signs of congenital heart disease. Choice A is incorrect because cyanosis in the hands and feet is not specific to congenital heart disease. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs provided are not specific indicators of congenital heart disease. Choice D is unrelated to the typical signs of congenital heart disease.