A patient who has been prescribed acebutolol (Sectral) develops a heart rate of 48 beats per minute, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and bluish fingernails. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Instruct the patient to take several slow deep breaths.
b. Document these findings as expected with this drug.
c. Place the patient in high Fowler's position.
d. Hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
D
Acebutolol is a beta blocker. Signs of drug overdose for these drugs include very slow heart rate, severe dizziness or fainting, difficult breathing, bluish-colored fingernails or palms, and seizures. The nurse should hold the drug and immediately notify the prescriber.
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