The nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol 100 mg PO to a client with hypertension. The client's vital signs are reported as a temperature of 99° F (37.2° C), heart rate 48 beats/minute, respirations 16 breaths/minute, and a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Assess for orthostatic hypotension before administering the dose: The client’s bradycardia takes priority. A heart rate of 48 beats/minute is below safe parameters for administering a beta-blocker like labetalol. B. Administer the dose and monitor the client's blood pressure regularly: Giving the dose despite severe bradycardia could worsen the client’s condition by further decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. Monitoring alone does not prevent this risk. C. Apply a telemetry monitor before administering the dose: Continuous cardiac monitoring is useful, but it does not correct the underlying problem of administering a drug that could dangerously lower the heart rate further. D. Withhold the scheduled dose and notify the healthcare provider (HCP): Labetalol is contraindicated in marked bradycardia because it blocks beta-adrenergic receptors, further reducing heart rate and contractility. Holding the medication and informing the HCP is the safest action.