A patient has been prescribed propranolol (Inderal) 80 mg twice daily. To maximize the patient's safety, what should the nurse teach the patient about this drug?

Question

1. "Stop the medication immediately if you experience nausea or a cough, and then contact the health care provider.".
2. "Do not stop the medication abruptly without consulting the physician.".
3. "Contact the health care provider immediately if you experience fatigue.".
4. "If you have a headache, take an extra tablet at the next dose time.".

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Abrupt withdrawal of the medication could cause life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Rationale 2: This medication should not be stopped abruptly.
Rationale 3: The nurse should advise the patient that as blood pressure returns to normal, the patient may experience fatigue. It is not necessary to contract the health care provider immediately.
Rationale 4: Taking extra medication is never advised unless the health care provider is consulted.