When should the nurse withhold metoprolol and consult a healthcare provider?

Withholding metoprolol should be based on the patient's heart rate and blood pressure, as this medication is primarily indicated for controlling hypertension and bradycardia. The key aspect for consulting a healthcare provider involves the patient’s heart rate. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute is a sign of bradycardia, which may warrant immediate attention to avoid potential serious complications.

While a blood pressure below 100/60 mmHg could also indicate that medication should be withheld, it is not as critical a trigger as a heart rate below 60. Blood sugar levels, like 217 mg/dL, while concerning, are not directly related to the administration of metoprolol. Severe dizziness reported by the patient can also indicate low blood pressure or slow heart rate, but the most specific parameter for justifying withholding metoprolol is the heart rate issue.

Therefore, the broad guideline is that monitoring the heart rate is crucial, and a heart rate under 60 beats per minute necessitates consulting the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action regarding metoprolol administration.