Free PN NCLEX Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is administering terbutaline (Brethine) to a client in labor. Prior to administration of the medication, the nurse assesses the client's pulse to be 144. The nurse's priority action should be to

  • A. withhold the medication.
  • B. decrease the dose by half.
  • C. administer the medication.
  • D. wait 15 minutes, then recheck the rate.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Terbutaline, a tocolytic, can cause maternal tachycardia. A pulse of 144 indicates significant tachycardia, a side effect requiring the medication to be withheld to prevent further cardiovascular strain. Decreasing the dose (B) is not within nursing scope, administering (C) ignores the risk, and waiting (D) delays intervention.