Question

A nurse is providing education to a client about newly prescribed diltiazem. Which statement will the nurse include in the teaching?

"Skip the dose if your systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg."

"Hold the dose if your heart rate is less than 50 beats/min."

"Call your healthcare provider if you experience any fever."

"Notify your healthcare provider if you notice any weight loss."

Answer 1

The nurse should include the statement “Hold the dose if your heart rate is less than 50 beats/min” when educating the client about newly prescribed diltiazem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the statement “Hold the dose if your heart rate is less than 50 beats/min” when educating the client about newly prescribed diltiazem. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker commonly prescribed for hypertension and certain heart conditions. It works by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure. Therefore, if the client's heart rate is already low, taking the medication could further lower the heart rate to an unhealthy level.