56. When administering a beta blocker, a nurse should first:
. Take the client's temperature and heart rate.
. Place the client in an upright position before the client swallows the drug.
. Take the client's blood pressure and heart rate.
. Ask the client if there have been any adverse effects.
Test-Taking Tip
Ask yourself: Which vital sign is most relevant to the drug's antihypertensive effect, BP or temperature?
Content Area: Adult Health, Cardiovascular; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Medication Administration
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Answer 1 is incorrect because a client's temperature has nothing to do with giving a beta blocker. Answer 2 is incorrect because there are no required positions for ingestion. The client chooses a position that facilitates swallowing. Answer 3 is correct because a beta blocker can decrease blood pressure and heart rate to unsafe levels. Answer 4 is incorrect because the client may not be aware of the effects of the drug on heart rate and blood pressure. Also, the nurse needs objective data to assess the response, not subjective data.