The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous dose of verapamil (Calan) to a client. Prior to administering this drug, which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
1. Ask the client to sit in a chair.
2. Obtain emergency resuscitation equipment.
3. Attach a pulse oximeter monitor.
4. Administer oxygen by nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: IV verapamil should be administered with the client lying in bed to prevent falls that can occur with severe hypotension.
Rationale 2: The client receiving IV verapamil might experience cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Rationale 3: A pulse oximeter monitor is not required for a client receiving IV verapamil. A cardiac monitor, however, would be necessary to detect reflex tachycardia or other dysrhythmias.
Rationale 4: Oxygen administration during verapamil administration is not necessary.
Global Rationale: The client receiving IV verapamil might experience cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest; therefore, it is appropriate for the nurse to obtain emergency resuscitation equipment. IV verapamil should be administered with the client lying in bed to prevent falls that can occur with severe hypotension. A pulse oximeter monitor is not required for a client receiving IV verapamil. A cardiac monitor, however, would be necessary to detect reflex tachycardia or other dysrhythmias. Oxygen administration during verapamil administration is not necessary.
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