Question

39. The nurse admits a client with hypertension who complains of dizziness after taking diltiazem (Cardizem). Which of the following is the most important information for the nurse to assess?

A) Schedule for taking medicine
B) Daily intake of potassium
C) Activity and rest patterns
D) Baseline heart rate

Answer 1

The most crucial information for a nurse to assess in a hypertensive patient complaining of dizziness after taking diltiazem is the baseline heart rate, as it indicates possible bradycardia or hypotension resulting from the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves a client with hypertension who complains of dizziness after taking diltiazem (Cardizem). When assessing a client in such a situation, the most important information for a nurse to assess is the client's baseline heart rate.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that can reduce the strength of the heart's contractions and lower heart rate as part of its mechanism to decrease blood pressure. Dizziness could be a symptom of bradycardia or low blood pressure, which may be exacerbated by hypertension medications. Therefore, checking the baseline heart rate helps determine if the medication is causing the heart to slow down too much, hence leading to symptoms like dizziness.