A practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client who is two days postoperative following a bowel resection. The client has a prescription for oral metoprolol to manage a history of hypertension. During the morning assessment, the PN notes a blood pressure of 96/64 mm Hg, a heart rate of 118 beats/min, and moderate serosanguineous drainage on the abdominal dressing. The client states, "I feel very weak and dizzy today." Which action should the PN take regarding the scheduled metoprolol dose?
- Retain the dose and urgently report the client's vital signs and symptoms to the registered nurse.Cevap
- BAdminister the dose as prescribed to help decrease the client's elevated heart rate.
- CReposition the client flat in bed and recheck the vital signs in one hour before giving the drug.
- DStart an intravenous fluid bolus to stabilize the blood pressure prior to administering the drug.
Cevap
The practical nurse should withhold the metoprolol and immediately report the findings to the registered nurse.
The client is exhibiting early signs of hypovolemic shock (tachycardia, borderline hypotension, dizziness, weakness) likely related to postoperative fluid loss or bleeding. The tachycardia is a critical compensatory mechanism attempting to maintain cardiac output. Metoprolol, a beta-adrenergic blocker, works by decreasing both heart rate and blood pressure. Administering this medication would block the client's compensatory response, potentially leading to immediate cardiovascular collapse. The practical nurse must recognize this dangerous clinical trend, withhold the drug, and immediately notify the RN for further medical evaluation.
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Anahtar Kavram
Recognizing compensatory mechanisms of shock and identifying pharmacological contraindications within the practical nursing scope of practice.
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