A patient diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is admitted with complaints…

A patient diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is admitted with complaints of dizziness and shortness of breath during exertion. The nurse notes a harsh systolic murmur and a blood pressure of ( 90 / 60 mathrm{~mm} mathrm{Hg} ). Which nursing intervention should be prioritized to prevent worsening of the patient’s condition? Administer nitrates to dilate the coronary vessels and improve cardiac output. Encourage the patient to perform strenuous exercise to strengthen the cardiac muscle. Administer a beta-blocker to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and improve ventricular filling. Provide intravenous fluids aggressively to increase preload and cardiac output.