The nurse is preparing to administer a beta blocker to a client with hypertension. What is the priority assessment?

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Question 1 of 5

The nurse is preparing to administer a beta blocker to a client with hypertension. What is the priority assessment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the client's blood pressure. When administering a beta blocker to a client with hypertension, the priority assessment is to check the client's blood pressure. Beta blockers lower blood pressure, so monitoring it before administration helps ensure it is within the safe range. Checking the client's heart rate (choice A) is important but not the priority in this scenario. Respiratory rate (choice C) and temperature (choice D) are not directly related to the administration of beta blockers for hypertension.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant that works by preventing blood clots. Monitoring platelet count is crucial to assess for potential thrombocytopenia, a side effect of enoxaparin that can increase the risk of bleeding. Hemoglobin (B) and White blood cell count (C) are not directly affected by enoxaparin. aPTT (D) is not the most important lab value to monitor as enoxaparin does not directly affect this clotting parameter.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance, ultimately reducing blood pressure. This effect is beneficial in conditions such as hypertension and angina. The other choices are incorrect because calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate or increase blood pressure.

Question 4 of 5

The client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that can cause thrombocytopenia, a potentially serious side effect. Monitoring platelet count is crucial to detect any decrease, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. PT/INR and aPTT are used to monitor warfarin and heparin, respectively, not enoxaparin. Hemoglobin monitoring is important for anemia but not the most crucial lab value in this scenario.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent, dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation. It is important to monitor for this as it can indicate potential angioedema, a serious adverse effect. Hyperkalemia (B) is a potential side effect but may not be as immediate or common as cough. Hypotension (C) is a common side effect but not as crucial to monitor as cough. Dizziness (D) is a common side effect but not as significant as cough in terms of potential complications.

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