A nurse is about to administer Propanolol to a patient. The nurse takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bmp. How should the nurse continue?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should withhold administration of the medication and notify the physician. The apical pulse of 58 bpm is below the normal range (60-100 bpm for adults), and propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further decrease the heart rate. Administering propranolol at this low heart rate may cause bradycardia (excessively slow heart rate) which can lead to serious complications. It is important to inform the physician of the low heart rate so that appropriate action or further assessment can be taken before administering the medication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Propranolol is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as beta blockers. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline on the beta receptors in the body. By blocking these receptors, propranolol helps to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the workload on the heart, making it effective in the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Fluorouracil, an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug, can cause myelosuppression, leading to a decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia). Bleeding gums is a sign of low platelet counts and potential bleeding risk, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Nausea, decreased appetite, and constipation are common side effects of chemotherapy but are not as urgent as bleeding gums, which indicates a potential hematologic emergency. The nurse should report this symptom immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention, such as platelet transfusion or dose adjustment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Adenosine is a medication commonly used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeats, such as supraventricular tachycardia. One of the common side effects of adenosine administration is transient asystole or a brief pause in the electrical activity of the heart. This can cause the heart to stop beating momentarily, leading to a drop in blood pressure and a feeling of lightheadedness in the patient. Therefore, in this scenario where the heart monitor shows an immediate abnormality after adenosine administration, the nurse should prepare to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be ready to intervene if the patient's heart rhythm deteriorates further. It is crucial to be proactive and prepared to respond quickly to any adverse effects of the medication to prevent potential harm to the patient. Regular monitoring should also continue to assess the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this context, a liquid preparation of vegetable drugs prepared by percolation and containing alcohol is known as a fluid extract. Fluid extracts are concentrated herbal extracts that are typically made by percolating a solvent, such as alcohol, through the plant material to extract its active constituents. This process results in a liquid extract that contains the medicinal properties of the plant. Fluid extracts are commonly used in herbal medicine due to their potency and ability to preserve the therapeutic compounds of the plant.