A 38-year-old patient has been prescribed nadolol (Corgard) 80 mg daily for hypertension. The patient tells the nurse that he has stopped taking the drug. What is the nurse's best action at this time?
a. Instruct the patient to begin taking the drug immediately.
b. Ask the patient if he is experiencing side effects of the drug.
c. Document this finding in detail.
d. Immediately notify the prescriber.
B
It is important to address the reason that the patient has stopped taking the drug at this time. Fairly common side effects of beta blockers include decreased sexual ability, dizziness, drowsi-ness, trouble sleeping, tiredness, and weakness. All of the other actions are important and appro-priate, but do not focus on the patient's concerns with regard to why he stopped taking the drug.
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