What information will the nurse include when teaching the patients about taking beta-blocking drugs for the treatment of angina?

Choice A rationale A heart rate of 64 beats/min is within the normal range for an adult (60-100 beats/min) and is not a cause for concern. Patients taking beta-blockers often have a lower resting heart rate due to the medication's effect, and this value would typically be considered a therapeutic response. Choice B rationale Beta-blocking drugs are generally contraindicated in patients with asthma because they can cause bronchospasm by blocking beta-2 receptors in the lungs. This can worsen asthmatic symptoms and lead to respiratory distress, so these medications are not safe for this patient population. Choice C rationale A weight gain of 2 lb in 24 hours or 5 lb in 1 week may indicate fluid retention, a sign of worsening heart failure. Patients with angina may also have underlying heart failure, and beta-blockers can sometimes worsen this condition. It is important to monitor for signs of fluid overload. Choice D rationale Grapefruit juice is known to interact with certain medications by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to increased drug levels. However, it does not have a significant interaction with most beta-blocking drugs and therefore does not need to be avoided.