Question

A nurse is assessing a client who is taking carvedilol for heart failure. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

A) Decreased blood pressure.
B) Dry cough.
C) Bradycardia.
D) Weight gain.

Answer 1

The priority for the nurse to report to the provider is weight gain, as it indicates potential worsening of heart failure due to fluid retention, which could necessitate immediate medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse who is assessing a client taking carvedilol for heart failure should prioritize reporting weight gain to the provider. Carvedilol is a medication that can affect blood pressure and heart rate. While decreased blood pressure and bradycardia (slow heart rate) are potential side effects of carvedilol, they are generally expected responses to the drug's action. However, weight gain could indicate the worsening of heart failure, as it may suggest fluid retention, which is a more immediate concern. On the other hand, a dry cough could be a sign of other conditions but is less urgent concerning heart failure management.