Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
An 85-year-old female in a long-term care facility is prescribed verapamil for blood pressure management twice daily. The medication is classified as a calcium channel blocker.
-Prior to administration of verapamil,which of the following is most important for you to assess?

Question

Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
  An 85-year-old female in a long-term care facility is prescribed verapamil for blood pressure management twice daily. The medication is classified as a calcium channel blocker. 
-Prior to administration of verapamil,which of the following is most important for you to assess?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most important assessment to perform prior to administering verapamil is to check the patient's vital signs, specifically blood pressure and heart rate. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can cause significant hypotension and bradycardia if the patient's blood pressure and heart rate are not monitored closely. Pupillary light reflex, blood oxygen levels, and level of consciousness may be important assessments in other situations, but they are not the priority in this scenario.

Please Read the Clinical Scenario, and Then Answer the Question