B) Correct. Beta-blockers primarily affect the heart by decreasing heart rate and contractility. Before administering a beta-blocker, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client's heart rate and rhythm to ensure it is within an appropriate range. This is important because beta-blockers can further slow the heart rate and may be contraindicated in certain conditions, such as bradycardia or heart block.

A) Incorrect. Although checking the client's blood pressure is important, it is not the priority action when administering a beta-blocker.

C) Incorrect. Evaluating renal function is not directly related to the administration of a beta-blocker. However, renal function should be considered in the overall assessment of the client's health status.

D) Incorrect. Monitoring blood glucose levels is not directly related to the administration of a beta-blocker. This action is more relevant for clients with diabetes who are taking medications that can affect blood glucose levels.

A) Correct. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside, and hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia and requires immediate nursing intervention. Hypokalemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin on cardiac conduction, leading to dysrhythmias.

B) Incorrect. A heart rate of 60 beats per minute is within the expected range for a client taking digoxin, as it is commonly used to control heart rate in certain cardiac conditions.

C) Incorrect. A systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg may be within an acceptable range for a client with heart failure, depending on their baseline blood pressure and symptoms. It does not require immediate nursing intervention.

D) Incorrect. A digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range for digoxin. It does not require immediate nursing intervention.

B) Correct. Clients taking warfarin should continue to eat foods high in vitamin K, but they should try to keep their intake consistent. Vitamin K plays a role in the synthesis of clotting factors, and warfarin works by inhibiting the action of vitamin K, thereby reducing the blood's ability to clot. Consistent vitamin K intake helps maintain a stable response to warfarin.

A) Incorrect. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K is not necessary, but consistency in vitamin K intake is important.

C) Incorrect. Increasing intake of foods high in vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of blood clots.

D) Incorrect. Consuming unlimited amounts of foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and lead to inconsistent therapeutic response.

C) Correct. Heparin primarily affects the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the laboratory test used to monitor the client's response to heparin therapy. The aPTT provides information about the time it takes for the client's blood to clot and helps determine the appropriate heparin dosage.

A) Incorrect. Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor clients receiving warfarin therapy, not heparin.

B) Incorrect. International normalized ratio (INR) is also used to monitor clients receiving warfarin therapy, not heparin.

D) Incorrect. Platelet count is important to monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potential adverse effect of heparin therapy, but it does not directly assess the client's response to heparin therapy.

B) Correct. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect by inhibiting aldosterone secretion. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing serum potassium levels regularly to monitor for hyperkalemia. This is particularly important in clients with pre-existing renal impairment or those taking other medications that can increase potassium levels.

A) Incorrect. ACE inhibitors do not directly affect blood glucose levels, although they may indirectly influence glycemic control in clients with diabetes.

C) Incorrect. Serum creatinine levels should be monitored regularly in clients receiving ACE inhibitors, as these medications can affect renal function. However, assessing serum potassium levels is a higher priority in this scenario.

D) Incorrect. White blood cell count is not directly related to ACE inhibitor therapy and does not require prioritization in this case.

D) Correct. Statin therapy is usually a lifelong treatment for managing high cholesterol levels. Stopping the medication once cholesterol levels are normal can lead to a rebound increase in cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The client should be educated about the importance of continued adherence to statin therapy as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

A) Incorrect. Taking statin medication with the evening meal can optimize its effectiveness, as cholesterol synthesis typically occurs during nighttime.

B) Incorrect. Grapefruit can interfere with the metabolism of certain statins, leading to increased levels of the medication in the body. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming grapefruit while taking statins.

C) Incorrect. Reporting muscle pain or weakness is crucial because statins can cause muscle-related side effects, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Prompt reporting allows for early intervention or adjustment of the medication if necessary.

A) Correct. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator primarily used to reduce angina and improve cardiac blood flow. Monitoring the client's blood pressure is crucial to assess the medication's effectiveness and prevent hypotension, a potential adverse effect. Nitroglycerin can cause significant vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure, and the nurse should closely monitor the client's blood pressure during therapy.

B) Incorrect. Although monitoring respiratory rate is important, it is not the priority assessment when caring for a client receiving intravenous nitroglycerin.

C) Incorrect. Oxygen saturation should be monitored for clients receiving nitroglycerin, but it is not the priority assessment in this scenario.

D) Incorrect. Blood glucose levels are not directly affected by nitroglycerin and do not require prioritization in this case.