A patient with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is prescribed verapamil. Which nursing intervention is essential for the nurse to implement when administering verapamil

A. Monitor blood pressure and pulse regularly: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that slows AV nodal conduction and decreases myocardial contractility. These effects can lead to bradycardia and hypotension, especially when treating supraventricular tachycardia. Ongoing monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is essential to detect adverse effects promptly. B. Administer the medication with a high-fat meal: A high-fat meal is not required for verapamil administration and does not enhance its therapeutic effect. Emphasizing high-fat intake may increase cardiovascular risk rather than support treatment. C. Instruct the patient to stand up quickly after taking verapamil: Verapamil can cause orthostatic hypotension due to vasodilation and reduced cardiac output. Patients should be advised to change positions slowly, not quickly, to prevent dizziness or falls. D. Encourage the patient to increase calcium intake: Increasing calcium intake may counteract the therapeutic effects of calcium channel blockers. This advice is inappropriate and may reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in controlling heart rate.