For which condition in a client’s medical history should the nurse question a prescription for Metoprolol?

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and to improve outcomes after a myocardial infarction. However, it is important to monitor its use in patients with sinus bradycardia, as this condition is characterized by a slower than normal heart rate.

When a patient has sinus bradycardia, the heart rate is already reduced, and administering Metoprolol could exacerbate this condition, potentially leading to further decreases in heart rate or causing significant side effects related to bradycardia. In such cases, the reduction in heart rate caused by beta-blockade can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or syncope. As such, it is crucial for the nurse to question the prescription for Metoprolol in a patient with sinus bradycardia to avoid these complications.

In contrast, hypertension, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction are conditions where the use of beta-blockers like Metoprolol is often beneficial and can be part of a standard treatment regimen to improve heart function and reduce cardiac workload.