Question

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has hypertension and takes propranolol. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse reaction to this medication?

A) Report of a night cough
B) Report of tinnitus
C) Report of excessive tearing
D) Report of increased salivation

Answer 1

The finding that should alert the nurse to an adverse reaction to propranolol in a hypertensive client is a report of a night cough. Night cough can signal cardiac issues potentially related to beta-blocker use, such as congestive heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which finding should indicate to a nurse that a client taking propranolol for hypertension is experiencing an adverse reaction. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that works by binding to G-protein-linked receptors, like the beta-1 receptor, in heart muscles, thus blocking the effects of adrenaline. This leads to a decrease in heart rate (HR) and is used to treat high blood pressure. However, overprescription or adverse reactions to beta-blockers can result in bradycardia and potentially lead to a stoppage of the heart.

Looking at the symptoms presented by Patient B, who shows signs such as weight loss, sweating, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping, these are not typically associated with adverse reactions to beta-blockers. Instead, the answer the nurse should be concerned about is a report of a night cough. Night coughs could be indicative of cardiac-related issues such as congestive heart failure, which can be an adverse effect of beta-blockers, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions. While the other findings like tinnitus, excessive tearing, and increased salivation can be bothersome, they are not typically associated with propranolol use or its cardiac-related adverse effects.