Which medication should the nurse clarify with the primary healthcare provider before administration due to a client's high pulse rate?

Albuterol, a bronchodilator, is commonly used to treat asthma and other conditions associated with bronchospasm. While it can provide relief from symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing, it is important to recognize that it can also increase heart rate as a side effect, particularly in individuals who may be sensitive to its stimulating effects on the cardiovascular system.

When a client presents with a high pulse rate, the nurse should be particularly cautious with medications that could potentially elevate that pulse further or interfere with the body's compensatory mechanisms. Given that albuterol can cause tachycardia, its administration in this context requires clarification with the healthcare provider, who may want to consider alternatives or evaluate the situation further before proceeding.

In contrast, medications like metoprolol, a beta-blocker, are designed to decrease heart rate and manage hypertension or heart disease, making them less of a concern in this context. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, typically does not affect pulse directly, and diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, helps to reduce heart rate and manage hypertension and certain arrhythmias. Therefore, they would not necessitate the same level of caution regarding a high pulse rate as albuterol does.