What should a nurse do if a patient's pulse is above 100?

When a patient's pulse is above 100—a condition known as tachycardia—the prudent action is to hold the medication, especially if the medication could exacerbate the heart rate or lead to further complications. Many medications, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular system, have guidelines that advise against administration when certain vital sign thresholds are exceeded.

Holding the medication allows the healthcare team to assess the underlying cause of the elevated pulse. It is crucial to ensure patient safety, and administration of certain medications could contribute to adverse effects in a patient who is already experiencing tachycardia.

While notifying the physician may also be a necessary step in the ongoing assessment or management of the patient's health, the immediate action regarding the medication should be to hold it before any further decision is made. This precautionary measure helps prevent potential harm and allows appropriate interventions to be put in place.