Biology Forums - Study Force

A nurse is providing care for a number of older clients on a restorative care unit of a hospital. Many of the clients have diagnoses or histories of hypertension,
 
  and the nurse is responsible for administering a number of medications relevant to blood pressure control. Which of the following assessments would the nurse be most justified in eliminating during a busy morning on the unit?
  A)
  Checking the recent potassium levels of a client receiving an ACE inhibitor
  B)
  Measuring the heart rate of a client who takes a -adrenergic blocker
  C)
  Measuring the pulse of a client taking an ACE inhibitor
  D)
  Noting the sodium and potassium levels of a client who is receiving a diuretic

Ans:
C

Feedback:

ACE inhibitors act on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and thus do not significantly influence heart rate. They can, however, induce hyperkalemia, and it would be prudent for the nurse to check potassium levels. -adrenergic blockers affect a client's heart rate, and diuretics can affect electrolyte levels.