A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who is to undergo a colonoscopy. The client informs the nurse that he took his prescribed medications before coming to the clinic. Which of the following medications is the priority to report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Metoprolol: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used for hypertension or cardiac conditions. While it may affect blood pressure during the procedure, it is generally safe to continue and does not pose an immediate risk for colonoscopy. B. Clopidogrel: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding. Because colonoscopy may involve biopsies or polypectomy, taking clopidogrel prior to the procedure significantly raises the risk of hemorrhage, making it the priority to report to the provider. C. Metformin: Metformin is used to manage diabetes. It may require temporary discontinuation around procedures requiring contrast dye due to risk of lactic acidosis, but for a standard colonoscopy without contrast, it is less urgent than clopidogrel. D. Digoxin: Digoxin is used for heart failure or arrhythmias. While monitoring for cardiac effects is important, digoxin does not pose an immediate risk for bleeding during colonoscopy and is not the priority to report.