Final answer:
The nurse should emphasize the importance of reporting unusual bruising or bleeding to a client prescribed dabigatran etexilate, as it is an anticoagulant with an increased risk of bleeding, which is a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important instruction for a nurse to emphasize when teaching a client about the medication dabigatran etexilate, especially for one with atrial fibrillation, is reporting unusual bruising or bleeding. Dabigatran etexilate is an anticoagulant, which means it helps to prevent blood clots from forming. As with other anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto), there is an increased risk of bleeding. It is crucial for patients on dabigatran to be aware of this potential side effect and to immediately report any signs of abnormal bleeding to their healthcare provider.
While checking pulse rate and monitoring blood pressure are also important for managing overall heart health, they are not specifically related to the use of dabigatran. Elevating feet if swelling occurs can help with symptoms of edema, which can be a side effect of some medications, but reporting unusual bleeding is directly related to the primary action of dabigatran and a potential serious side effect that requires prompt attention.