A mother calls the nurse to report that at 0900 she administered an oral dose of digoxin to her 4-month-old infant, but at 0920 the baby vomited the medicine. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this mother?
Administer a half dose now.
Give another dose.
Mix the next dose with food.
Withhold this dose.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Administering a half dose now is not advisable, because it may result in underdosing or overdosing of digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and a high risk of toxicity, especially in infants and children. The amount of digoxin absorbed by the infant before vomiting is unknown, so giving a partial dose may not achieve therapeutic levels or may exceed safe levels.
Choice B: Giving another dose is not advisable, because it may result in overdosing of digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and a high risk of toxicity, especially in infants and children. The amount of digoxin absorbed by the infant before vomiting is unknown, so giving a full dose may exceed safe levels and cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, arrhythmias, or visual disturbances.
Choice C: Mixing the next dose with food is not advisable, because it may affect the absorption and bioavailability of digoxin. Digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach or at least one hour before or two hours after meals, because food can interfere with its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and reduce its effectiveness.
Choice D: Withholding the dose is the safest option. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of administration, it’s generally advised to skip that dose to avoid the risk of overdose. The next dose should be given as scheduled Digoxin has a long half-life and accumulates in tissues, so missing one dose will not significantly affect its therapeutic effect. Withholding this dose will avoid overdosing and toxicity of digoxin, which can be life-threatening in infants and children. The nurse should also advise the mother to resume the regular dosing schedule and monitor the infant's pulse rate and signs of digoxin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Remove the catheter and palpate the client’s bladder for residual distention. This is not the best action, as it may cause discomfort and trauma to the client. The catheter should not be removed until the bladder is fully emptied or up to 1,000 mL of urine is drained, as removing it too soon may cause urinary retention or infection.
Choice B: Allow the bladder to empty completely or up to 1,000 mL of urine. This is the best action, as it can prevent bladder spasms, overdistention, or rupture. The nurse should monitor the urine output and color, and document the amount and characteristics of urine drained.
Choice C: Clamp the catheter for thirty minutes and then resume draining. This is not the best action, as it may cause pain and discomfort to the client. The catheter should not be clamped unless ordered by the healthcare provider, as clamping it may increase the risk of infection or bladder damage.
Choice D: Remove the catheter and replace with an indwelling catheter. This is not the best action, as it may cause unnecessary exposure and trauma to the client. The catheter should not be replaced unless ordered by the healthcare provider, as replacing it may increase the risk of infection or urethral injury.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: An adult client with a tracheal tube draining clear, pale red liquid drainage. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential airway obstruction or infection. The tracheal tube drainage should be monitored for color, amount, and consistency, and suctioned as needed.
Choice B: An older client with dark red drainage on a postoperative dressing, but no drainage in the Hemovac. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential hemorrhage or wound dehiscence. The postoperative dressing and Hemovac should be monitored for color, amount, and odor, and changed as needed.
Choice C: An adult client with no postoperative drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain with the bulb compressed. This client can be assessed last, as they have no signs of complications or problems. The Jackson-Pratt drain is a closed suction device that collects fluid from a surgical site. The bulb should be compressed to create negative pressure and facilitate drainage.
Choice D: An older client with a distended abdomen and no drainage from the nasogastric tube. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential bowel obstruction or perforation. The nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose into the stomach to decompress gas and fluid. The abdomen should be monitored for size, shape, and bowel sounds, and the nasogastric tube should be checked for patency and placement.
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