A client with a history of congestive heart failure is prescribed propranolol (Inderal) for control of ventricular tachycardia. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide to this client?

Question

1. "Report nausea to your health care provider."
2. "Immediately report an increase of shortness of breath or weight gain of 2 pounds over 1 day."
3. "Weigh yourself each day at approximately the same time, with the same amount of clothing."
4. "Exercise at least 30 minutes daily."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Symptoms of nausea should be reported, but this is not the most important issue.
Rationale 2: Propranolol (Inderal) reduces myocardial automaticity, thereby potentially reducing cardiac output and exasperating symptoms of CHF. Symptoms of CHF should be reported immediately when taking a beta blocker.
Rationale 3: Weighing should occur daily at the same time, but this is not the most important instruction.
Rationale 4: Clients should exercise 30 minutes daily, but this is not the most important instruction.
Global Rationale: Propranolol (Inderal) reduces myocardial automaticity, thereby potentially reducing cardiac output and exasperating symptoms of CHF. Symptoms of CHF should be reported immediately when taking a beta blocker. Symptoms of nausea should be reported, but this is not the most important issue. Weighing should occur daily at the same time, but this is not the most important instruction. Clients should exercise 30 minutes daily, but this is not the most important instruction.