A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and has been taking digoxin 0.25 mg daily. The client refuses breakfast and reports nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Request a dietary consult.
Check the client's vital signs.
Request an order for an antiemetic.
Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Request a dietary consult:
While dietary concerns may be addressed, checking vital signs is the priority when a client reports nausea, especially in the context of medication administration.
B. Check the client's vital signs:
This is the correct action. Nausea can be a symptom of digoxin toxicity. Checking vital signs, especially assessing for changes in heart rate, is crucial in determining whether the client is experiencing adverse effects of digoxin.
C. Request an order for an antiemetic:
Administering an antiemetic may be considered later, but the first priority is to assess the client's vital signs and determine if the nausea is related to digoxin toxicity.
D. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal:
Resting before eating may be helpful for nausea, but the priority is to assess the client's vital signs and determine the cause of the nausea, especially in the context of digoxin use.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon."
This response is somewhat reassuring but may come across as dismissive or overly optimistic. It doesn't acknowledge the partner's feelings or offer support.
B. "It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain."
This response acknowledges the partner's emotions and shows empathy. While it recognizes the difficulty the partner is experiencing, it doesn't directly address the partner's desire to do something to help the wife.
C. "I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too."
This response directly empathizes with the partner's wish to help the wife, expressing a shared concern. It conveys a sense of teamwork between the nurse and the partner, fostering a supportive connection.
D. "We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable."
This response provides information about the actions being taken by the medical team but may not directly address the partner's expressed desire to contribute or alleviate the wife's pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inject the medication deep into the thigh muscle.
This statement is incorrect for subcutaneous heparin administration. Heparin is typically administered subcutaneously in the fatty tissue just under the skin, not into the muscle. Intramuscular injection is not appropriate for heparin.
B. Easy bruising indicates the medication is effective.
This statement is inaccurate. Easy bruising is not an indicator of the effectiveness of heparin. In fact, excessive bruising can be a side effect of anticoagulant therapy, indicating a potential issue with bleeding or clotting.
C. Expect stools to become black and tarry.
This statement is more relevant to medications like iron supplements or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is not a common side effect of subcutaneous heparin.
D. Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
This statement is correct. It is important for individuals on anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin, to use a soft bristle toothbrush to minimize the risk of bleeding and gum irritation. Hard bristle toothbrushes can cause gum bleeding, especially in individuals with a tendency for bleeding due to anticoagulant use.
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