A client develops sinus bradycardia with blood pressure of 90/40 mm Hg and a heart rate of 46/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Question

A client develops sinus bradycardia with blood pressure of 90/40 mm Hg and a heart rate of 46/min.  Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c928_afa4_b433_2b4d8b1987a2_MD0009_00 Clients with symptomatic bradycardia should be treated with atropine. If atropine is ineffective, transcutaneous pacing or an infusion of dopamine or epinephrine should be considered. (Option A) Metoprolol is a beta blocker and would further reduce the heart rate. The nurse should not administer this medication and instead notify the health care provider. (Option B) A forceful cough may cause a vasovagal reaction and further reduce the heart rate. (Option C) The Trendelenburg position, not the reverse Trendelenburg position, is used with clients with hypotension. Educational objective: The client with symptomatic bradycardia should be treated initially with IV atropine. Transcutaneous pacing or infusion of dopamine or epinephrine may be considered if atropine is ineffective.

A Client Develops Sinus Bradycardia with Blood Pressure of 90/40