A nurse is providing care for a number of older clients on a restorative care unit of a hospital. Many of the clients have diagnoses or histories of hypertension,

Question

and the nurse is responsible for administering a number of medications relevant to blood pressure control. Which of the following assessments would the nurse be most justified in eliminating during a busy morning on the unit?
A)
Checking the recent potassium levels of a client receiving an ACE inhibitor
B)
Measuring the heart rate of a client who takes a ?-adrenergic blocker
C)
Measuring the pulse of a client taking an ACE inhibitor
D)
Noting the sodium and potassium levels of a client who is receiving a diuretic

Answer 1

Ans:
C

Feedback:

ACE inhibitors act on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and thus do not significantly influence heart rate. They can, however, induce hyperkalemia, and it would be prudent for the nurse to check potassium levels. β-adrenergic blockers affect a client's heart rate, and diuretics can affect electrolyte levels.