A nurse assesses an older adult client who has multiple chronic diseases.The client's heart rate is 48 beats/min.Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pacemaker cells in the conduction system decrease in number as a person ages,resulting in bradycardia.The nurse should check the medication reconciliation for medications that might cause such a drop in heart rate,then should inform the health care provider.Documentation is important,but it is not the priority action.The heart rate is not low enough for atropine or an external pacemaker to be needed.

A Nurse Assesses an Older Adult Client Who Has Multiple