Care Hope College RN HESI Pharmacology Related

Review Care Hope College RN HESI Pharmacology related questions and content

The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol orally to a client with hypertension. The client’s vital signs are temperature 99° F (37.2 C), heart rate 48 beats/minute, respirations 16 breaths/minute, and blood pressure (BP) 150/90 mm Hg. What action should the nurse take?

  • A. Withhold the scheduled dose and notify the healthcare provider.
  • B. Administer the dose and monitor the client’s BP regularly.
  • C. Assess for orthostatic hypotension before administering the dose.
  • D. Apply a telemetry monitor before administering the dose.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Labetalol, a beta-blocker, can worsen bradycardia (heart rate 48 bpm). Withholding the dose and notifying the provider (A) is safest. Administering (B) risks exacerbating bradycardia. Orthostatic hypotension assessment (C) and telemetry (D) are secondary.