A patient a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure is prescribed carvedilol (Coreg)

Question

What will the nurse assess prior to administering this medication to the patient? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Blood pressure
2. Pulse
3. Blood glucose level
4. Lung sounds
5. Potassium level

Answer 1

1,2,3
Rationale 1: Prior to administering a beta blocker, the nurse should assess the patient's blood pressure to ensure it is adequate.
Rationale 2: Prior to administering a beta blocker, the nurse should assess the patient's pulse to ensure it is adequate.
Rationale 3: The blood glucose level should be monitored in the patient with diabetes because a beta blocker can worsen glucose control and blunt symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Rationale 4: Lung sounds should be assessed in the patient with asthma and COPD prior to administering a beta block because of bronchoconstriction effects. The patient does not have asthma or COPD.
Rationale 5: The potassium level does not need to be assessed prior to administering a beta blocker to the patient.