A nurse is caring for a client who has an apical pulse rate of 54/min and is dizzy. Which action is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Teach the client how to take their pulse so they can keep the provider informed of variations.
• B. Inform the client to ask for assistance with getting out of bed.
• C. Educate the client on medications, including therapeutic effects and potential adverse effects.
• D. Ensure the client has been taking medications as prescribed.

Answer: (B)

When a client has symptomatic bradycardia manifested by dizziness, the immediate priority is safety and preventing injury from a fall. A heart rate of 54/min is considered slow, and dizziness can indicate reduced cerebral perfusion. The best action is to arrange for assistance with getting out of bed so the client can move safely and avoid a fall while awaiting further assessment. This addresses the urgent risk in the moment.

Other options, while important for overall care, do not address the immediate safety concern. Teaching the client to measure their own pulse aids self-monitoring but doesn’t prevent a fall during ambulation. Education about medications or ensuring prescribed meds are taken correctly are ongoing safety issues, but they aren’t the urgent step needed right now when dizziness could lead to a fall.