The nurse prepares to administer metoprolol to a patient with chronic stable angina. What is a priority assessment before the administration of this medication?
A.
Temperature
B.
Urinary function
C.
Respiratory rate
D.
Heart rate
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Heart rate.
Before administering metoprolol, a beta-blocker commonly used to manage chronic stable angina, assessing the patient’s heart rate is critical. Metoprolol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, which reduces heart rate, myocardial oxygen demand, and improves exercise tolerance. Monitoring the heart rate helps to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for the patient.
A heart rate assessment is important because metoprolol can cause bradycardia, which is defined as a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute. If the heart rate is already low, administering metoprolol could lead to excessively decreased heart rate, potentially resulting in adverse effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or even syncope. Therefore, if the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute, the nurse should withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider for further instructions.
In contrast, while temperature (option A), urinary function (option B), and respiratory rate (option C) are important assessments in various clinical contexts, they are not specifically critical for the safe administration of metoprolol. Temperature may indicate an infection, urinary function can provide insight into kidney health, and respiratory rate could reflect respiratory distress, but these parameters do not directly impact the immediate safety of administering metoprolol.
In summary, the priority assessment before giving metoprolol to a patient with chronic stable angina is to check the heart rate. This step is vital in preventing potential complications associated with bradycardia and ensuring the medication is administered safely and effectively. Always following institutional protocols regarding medication administration and assessment is also essential.