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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before administering beta blockers to clients with valvular disorders of the heart, the nurse should take the client's apical pulse. Beta blockers can slow down the heart rate and exacerbate valvular stenosis or regurgitation, so it is important to assess the client's baseline heart rate and rhythm. If the client's heart rate is below 60 bpm or there are signs of heart block, the nurse should hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. Monitoring the prothrombin time or for episodes of bleeding would be important for clients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Monitoring for bluish discoloration of the palms may be important in clients with peripheral vascular disease or Raynaud's disease, but it is not specifically related to valvular disorders.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with a Valvular