Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is newly diagnosed with hypertension and is taking metoprolol. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following manifestations to the provider as an adverse effect of this medication?

Tachycardia
Tinnitus
Peripheral edema
Urinary retention

Answer 1

Patients taking metoprolol for hypertension should report peripheral edema as it signifies a potential serious adverse effect of the medication. Tachycardia, tinnitus, and urinary retention are not typical side effects of beta-blockers like metoprolol.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the client taking metoprolol to report peripheral edema to the provider as an adverse effect of this medication. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-1 receptors, which can slow heart rate (HR) and is used as a treatment for hypertension. While metoprolol helps control blood pressure, it can also cause side effects such as bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, and in severe overprescription, even stoppage of the heart. Peripheral edema may indicate worsening heart failure, which is a serious adverse effect. Other listed symptoms like tachycardia, tinnitus, and urinary retention, are not typical adverse effects of metoprolol. It is important for patients to be aware of possible side effects to monitor their health appropriately while on this medication.