During the admission assessment of a client taking bethanechol chloride, to which side effect should the nurse pay special attention?

Bethanechol chloride is a cholinergic medication that stimulates the bladder and promotes urination. One of the well-known side effects of cholinergic drugs is a decrease in heart rate, or bradycardia. This occurs due to enhanced parasympathetic activity, which can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to reduced heart rate.

When assessing a client on bethanechol chloride, it’s crucial for the nurse to monitor for signs of bradycardia, as this condition can result in inadequate perfusion of vital organs and lead to potential complications.

Other options, like hypertension, tachycardia, or hyperglycemia, are less associated with the effects of this specific medication. For instance, hypertension typically arises from adrenergic stimulation, whereas tachycardia can occur with sympathomimetics but is not a direct side effect of bethanechol. Hyperglycemia is more related to conditions that involve stress or certain other medications and is not commonly seen with cholinergic agents. Therefore, focusing on bradycardia is most appropriate when caring for a patient taking this medication.