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A nurse is teaching a client who has angina about a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

A. " I should place the tablet under my tongue."
B. "I should have my clotting time checked weekly."
C. " I will report any ringing in my ears."
D. "I will call my doctor if my pulse rate is less than 60."

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The correct statement indicating understanding of the use of metoprolol is that the client will call their doctor if their pulse rate is less than 60, which demonstrates awareness of the drug's potential to cause bradycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to understanding instructions for taking metoprolol, a beta-blocker commonly prescribed for angina. The correct statement that indicates understanding of the medication is: "I will call my doctor if my pulse rate is less than 60." Metoprolol works by blocking beta-1 receptors, which can slow heart rate (HR) as a side effect. A slow heart rate, known as bradycardia, is an expected effect of beta-blockers but can become a concern if it drops too low. Therefore, patients are advised to monitor their pulse and contact their healthcare provider if it falls below a certain threshold (usually 60 beats per minute).

Placing the tablet under the tongue is incorrect because unlike nitroglycerin, used for acute angina attacks, metoprolol is taken orally and swallowed. Having clotting time checked weekly is related to anticoagulants like heparin, not beta-blockers. Reporting ringing in the ears is unrelated to typical side effects of metoprolol.

User Dan Q
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