A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and is prescribed metoprolol, a beta blocker. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

The correct answer is: C. Bronchospasm. Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker, primarily affecting the heart, but it can still have some impact on beta-2 receptors in the lungs. In clients with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, beta-blockers can trigger bronchospasm, leading to breathing difficulties. Here's why the other options are less likely to be adverse effects of metoprolol: A. Tachycardia: Metoprolol actually lowers heart rate, so tachycardia is not a typical adverse effect. Instead, bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more common. B. Hyperglycemia: Beta-blockers can sometimes mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, but they don’t directly cause high blood sugar. D. Hyperkalemia: Metoprolol doesn’t significantly affect potassium levels, so hyperkalemia is not a common concern. Since metoprolol is frequently used in hypertension management, nurses must monitor clients for bradycardia, hypotension, and signs of bronchospasm, especially in individuals with respiratory disorders.