When you bring in the next dose of a drug that a patient first received 6 hours ago,the patient reports a "pounding" heart rate ever since taking the last dose.What is your best first action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Any side effect or response a patient has after starting a new drug should be investigated,even when it is an expected side effect of the drug.Some drugs may increase the strength of the heartbeat and heart rate either as the intended action or as a side effect.However,any drug that affects heart response can also cause adverse heart problems.Before giving the drug or notifying the prescriber,you should check the patient's vital signs,especially heart rate and quality,heart rhythm,and blood pressure.These changes are important to know for you and the prescriber.

When You Bring in the Next Dose of a Drug