A patient who has been prescribed acebutolol (Sectral)develops a heart rate of 48 beats/min,dizziness,difficulty breathing,and bluish fingernails.What is your best first action?

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Acebutolol is a beta blocker.Signs of drug overdose for these drugs include a very slow heart rate,severe dizziness or fainting,difficult breathing,bluish-colored fingernails or palms,and seizures.Although you should hold the drug and immediately notify the prescriber,the best first action for this patient who is showing signs of acute hypoxia is to apply oxygen,even when there might not be an order for it.This is an emergency situation.

A Patient Who Has Been Prescribed Acebutolol (Sectral)develops a Heart