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?

Choice A Reason:
Apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin is correct. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied to a clean, hairless area of the skin to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Hair can interfere with the patch's adherence and the absorption of nitroglycerin into the bloodstream. The site chosen should be rotated to prevent skin irritation or tolerance development. Commonly used areas include the chest, upper arms, or torso, but it's important to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Apply a 4x4 dressing over the patch is incorrect. Covering the nitroglycerin patch with a dressing may interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. These patches are designed to be applied directly to the skin without covering.
Choice C Reason:
Apply the patch to the same site every 24 hr is incorrect. Repeatedly applying the patch to the same site increases the risk of skin irritation or tolerance to the medication. It's crucial to rotate patch sites to avoid these issues.
Choice D Reason:
Apply the patch to a bony prominence on the chest is incorrect. Nitroglycerin patches should not be placed on bony prominences because these areas can be uncomfortable and may not provide optimal absorption. Instead, they are typically applied to relatively flat, hairless areas of the skin.

Choice A Reason:
Identify the client using two identifiers is correct. Prior to administering any medication, especially controlled substances, it's crucial to confirm the client's identity using two unique identifiers, such as their name and date of birth or an identification band and verbal confirmation. Ensuring accurate identification helps prevent medication errors and ensures the right medication is given to the right patient.
Choice B Reason:
Compare the amount of medication available to the inventory record is incorrect. This is part of maintaining accurate documentation and inventory control, ensuring that the amount of medication matches the recorded inventory. However, it typically occurs after confirming the client's identity.
Choice C Reason:
Document the administration of the medication is incorrect. Documentation of medication administration is crucial for legal and medical purposes but should occur after the medication has been safely administered to the correct patient.
Choice D Reason:
Remove the medication from the medication dispensing cabinet is incorrect. Retrieving the medication from the dispensing cabinet is an essential step in the administration process, but it should occur after confirming the client's identity to ensure the right medication is administered to the right individual.