Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
4.17 Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making Learning Activities
Lightbulb Moment
Test your knowledge and application.
Practice applying your knowledge regarding ANS neuroreceptors to the following client scenarios where a nurse must use clinical judgment for a solution:
- A client begins a nicotine patch in an attempt to stop smoking. The client reports feelings of nausea, weakness, and a rapid heartbeat. What is the likely cause of these symptoms, and what is the nurse’s best response?
- A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has a new order for tamsulosin. He asks, “How will tamsulosin help me? I already take so many pills.
- What is the nurse’s best response?
- What does the nurse plan to monitor carefully, especially after administering the first dose of tamsulosin?
- A client with asthma is taking albuterol to help when she feels increased shortness of breath.
- How will albuterol assist in her breathing?The client states, “After I take albuterol, it feels like my heart is racing.”
- What is the likely cause of this symptom?
- What is the nurse’s best response to the client’s concern?
- A client with high blood pressure is prescribed propranolol.
- How will propranolol help to lower his blood pressure?
- What will the nurse assess before administering the propranolol?The nurse listens to the client’s lungs a few hours after administering propranolol and notices new wheezing.
- What could be a potential cause of this new finding?
- What is the nurse’s next best response?
- A client is prescribed metoprolol to help control his atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm.
- What will the nurse assess before administering the metoprolol?
- What findings would cause the nurse to call the provider before administering the metoprolol?Upon reassessment the next day, the nurse notices a new finding of edema in the client’s feet and lower legs.
- What could be a potential cause of this new finding?
- What is the nurse’s next best response?
- A client with an acute episode of heart failure is admitted and is prescribed dobutamine.
- How will dobutamine improve the client’s condition?
- What will the nurse monitor carefully during administration?
Note: Answers to the Light Bulb Moment can be found in the “Answer Key” sections at the end of the book.