Final answer:
A nurse should view bradycardia as a contraindication for a hypertensive patient to receive propranolol, a non-selective beta blocker that can exacerbate bradycardia, lead to heart stoppage, and worsen conditions like COPD, asthma, or heart block.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse reviewing the medical record of a client who has hypertension should identify a contraindication for receiving propranolol if the patient has a history of bradycardia. Propranolol is a beta blocker that can slow the heart rate (HR) by binding to the beta receptors, particularly the beta-1 receptors. Overprescription or certain pre-existing conditions, such as decreased heart rate, can further lead to bradycardia and can be dangerous, as these drugs decrease the heart's ability to speed up when needed, which can lead to heart stoppage in extreme cases.
Patient histories that reveal conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or certain types of heart block can also be contraindications for beta blockers like propranolol. Since propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker, it can exacerbate these conditions by causing narrowing of the airways and by further reducing cardiac output in patients with heart conditions.