Question

The nurse is administering a beta blocker to the client diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which data would cause the nurse to question administering the medication?

a. The client's BP is 110/70.
b. The client's potassium level is 3.4 mEq/L.
c. The client has a barky cough.
d. The client's apical pulse is 56.

Answer 1

The nurse would question administering the beta blocker if the client's apical pulse is 56.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would question administering the beta blocker if the client's apical pulse is 56. Beta blockers work by slowing the heart rate (HR) by blocking the beta-1 receptors. A low heart rate, or bradycardia, is a potential side effect of beta blockers. Therefore, if the client's apical pulse is already low at 56, administering the medication may further decrease the heart rate and lead to unwanted complications.