A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an early indication of medication toxicity?
Visual disturbances
Sudden weight gain
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L
Insomnia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Visual disturbances is the correct findings. In individuals taking digoxin, visual disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision can indicate early signs of medication toxicity. This symptom often requires prompt medical attention, as it can precede more severe complications.
Choice B Reason:
Sudden weight gain is not correct. While weight gain can be a symptom of worsening heart failure, it's not typically associated specifically with digoxin toxicity. It's more commonly related to fluid retention in heart failure.
Choice C Reason:
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L is not correct. This potassium level is within the normal range. Digoxin toxicity can be exacerbated by low potassium levels, but a normal potassium level doesn't directly indicate digoxin toxicity.
Choice D Reason:
Insomnia is not a typical early sign of digoxin toxicity. It's more commonly associated with issues like difficulty sleeping rather than being a direct symptom of digoxin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Limit your sodium intake." Is incorrect. Sodium restriction might be appropriate for some cardiovascular or renal conditions, but it is not specifically related to theophylline use.
Choice B Reason:
"Restrict milk products." is incorrect. Restricting milk products is not a necessary dietary consideration for theophylline. However, consuming high-fat dairy products may delay the absorption of theophylline, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
Choice C Reason:
"Avoid caffeinated beverages." Is correct. Theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It belongs to the class of methylxanthine medications and acts similarly to caffeine. Consuming additional caffeine through beverages like coffee, tea, or certain sodas can increase the risk of adverse effects associated with theophylline, such as increased heart rate or nervousness. Hence, avoiding caffeinated beverages is advisable to minimize the risk of exacerbating these effects.
Choice D Reason:
"Take the medication with meals." Taking theophylline with or without meals is typically acceptable, but it's essential to maintain consistency in timing and avoid significant changes in dietary habits that might affect its absorption or metabolism.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
There's no requirement to lie down for an hour after administering nasal cyanocobalamin.
Choice B Reason:
The duration of treatment might vary depending on the healthcare provider's instructions and the client's response, so stating a specific duration of 6 months may not be accurate.
Choice C Reason:
"Administer the medication into one nostril once per week. “Nasal cyanocobalamin is typically used weekly for the treatment of pernicious anemia. It's administered into one nostril as directed by a healthcare provider. This method allows for the absorption of vitamin B12 through the nasal mucosa.
Choice D Reason:
Using a nasal decongestant before administering the medication is not typically part of the recommended administration protocol for nasal cyanocobalamin.
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