Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

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A client is receiving atenolol (Tenormin) 25 mg PO after a myocardial infarction. The nurse determines the client's apical pulse is 65 beats per minute. What action should the nurse implement next?

  • A. Measure the blood pressure.
  • B. Reassess the apical pulse.
  • C. Notify the healthcare provider.
  • D. Administer the medication.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer the medication. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. In this scenario, the client's apical pulse of 65 beats per minute is within the normal range for a client taking atenolol after a myocardial infarction. Therefore, the nurse should proceed with administering the medication as prescribed to help maintain the client's heart rate and blood pressure within the therapeutic range.

A: Measuring the blood pressure is important but not the immediate next step as the client's heart rate is within the normal range.
B: Reassessing the apical pulse is unnecessary since it is already within the normal range for a client on atenolol.
C: Notifying the healthcare provider is not indicated as there are no signs of concern with the client's heart rate at 65 bpm.