Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize assessing the client's heart rate when an elderly client is prescribed metoprolol, a beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate and decreases the workload on the heart. Therefore, the correct option is b
Step-by-step explanation:
When an elderly client is prescribed metoprolol, a beta-blocker medication, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client's heart rate (B). Metoprolol is often prescribed to manage hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions by slowing down the heart rate and decreasing the workload on the heart. Since beta-blockers like metoprolol can lower the heart rate, it is critical to monitor this parameter to ensure the heart rate does not become too slow (bradycardia), which can lead to inadequate cardiac output and other complications. While monitoring blood pressure (A) is also important as metoprolol can affect this, the immediate effect of metoprolol is typically on heart rate. Additionally, serum potassium levels (E) can influence cardiac function, and beta-blockers can impact these levels, but the heart rate remains a more immediate concern with this medication. Other assessments like respiratory rate (C) and blood glucose levels (D) may also be important but are not typically the primary concern with metoprolol administration unless the patient has a specific condition that warrants such monitoring.