The nurse is caring for a client with a valvular disorder of the heart. What intervention should the nurse perform before administering the prescribed beta-blockers to clients with valvular disorders of the heart?

A) Monitor the prothrombin time.
B) Monitor for episodes of bleeding.
C) Take the client's apical pulse.
D) Monitor for bluish discoloration of the palms.


C
Feedback:
Before administering beta-blockers, the nurse should take the client's apical pulse. If the heart rate is less than 60 beats/minute, the nurse should withhold the drug and inform the primary healthcare provider. Oral anticoagulant therapy requires close monitoring of prothrombin time or INR. The nurse should also closely monitor clients receiving oral anticoagulants for episodes of bleeding. Overdosage of beta-blockers indicates bluish discoloration of the palms.

Nursing

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