Question

The nurse is administering medications on a medical surgical unit. A patient is ordered to receive 40 mg of oral Corgard (nadolol) for the treatment of hypertension. Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should complete which of the following?

A. Checking the patient's urine output
B. Checking the patient's heart rate
C. Checking the patient's serum K+ level
D. Weighing the patient

Answer 1

The nurse should complete checking the patient's heart rate before administering the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should complete checking the patient's heart rate. Since Corgard (nadolol) is a beta blocker, it works by blocking beta-1 receptors, thereby slowing down the heart rate. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to assess the patient's heart rate before giving the medication to ensure it is within a safe range.