Author Question: A patient who is prescribed sotalol (Betapace) develops the following assessment findings. For which ... (Read 31 times)

Mollykgkg · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who is prescribed sotalol (Betapace) develops the following assessment findings. For which finding does the nurse immediately notify the prescriber?

a. Heart rate of 60 beats per minute
b. Difficulty sleeping
c. Cold hands and feet
d. Chest discomfort

Question 2

What is the most important action for the nurse when caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who is prescribed a beta blocker?

a. Assess the patient's feet daily.
b. Monitor for infection.
c. Administer oral diabetic drugs.
d. Regularly check the patient's blood glucose.

cupcake16 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
All of these assessment findings can be side effects of sotalol, a beta blocker. However, if a pa-tient develops chest pain it should be reported to the prescriber immediately because this symp-tom may indicate heart disease and require additional diagnostic testing. In addition, safe activity levels should be discussed with the patient.

Answer to Question 2

D
Beta blockers can increase or decrease blood glucose levels. They can also mask the signs of hypoglycemia such as rapid heart rate, making it difficult to recognize and treat. Whereas all of these actions are important, the most important action related to a diabetic patient receiving a beta blocker is to regularly check the patient's blood glucose.