A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin for heart failure and develops indications of severe digoxin toxicity. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
Flumazenil
Acetylcysteine
Naloxone
Fab antibody fragments
The Correct Answer is D
A) Flumazenil: Flumazenil is an antidote used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants. It is not effective in treating digoxin toxicity, as it does not interact with the cardiac glycoside effects of digoxin.
B) Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is primarily used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and to help manage mucus in respiratory conditions. It has no effect on digoxin toxicity and would not be appropriate for treating this condition.
C) Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Like flumazenil and acetylcysteine, naloxone is not effective in addressing digoxin toxicity and does not counteract the effects of cardiac glycosides.
D) Fab antibody fragments: Fab antibody fragments, also known as Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind or DigiFab), are the appropriate treatment for severe digoxin toxicity. These fragments bind to digoxin, neutralizing its effects and allowing the body to eliminate it safely. This is the most effective and specific treatment for life-threatening digoxin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D) Trough:
The trough level of a medication is the lowest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream before the next dose is administered. Monitoring the trough level helps ensure that the medication stays within a therapeutic range, minimizing the risk of toxicity and ensuring effectiveness.
A) Half-life:
Half-life refers to the time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the blood to decrease by half. It is related to how long the drug stays in the system but does not specifically indicate the lowest concentration.
B) Peak:
The peak level is the highest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream after administration. It is used to assess the maximum effect of the drug, not the lowest concentration.
C) Toxic:
Toxic level refers to the concentration of a drug at which it can cause adverse effects or toxicity. It is not related to the lowest concentration but rather to potentially harmful levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Epinephrine:
Epinephrine is used in emergency situations such as anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest. It does not reverse the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin and is not indicated for managing an elevated INR.
B) Atropine:
Atropine is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and other conditions but does not counteract the effects of warfarin. It is not appropriate for managing an elevated INR.
C) Protamine:
Protamine is used to reverse the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant, not warfarin. It is not effective in managing high INR levels associated with warfarin therapy.
D) Vitamin K:
Vitamin K is the appropriate antidote for reversing the effects of warfarin. An INR of 5.2 indicates a high risk of bleeding, and administering Vitamin K can help to reduce the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and bring the INR back to a safer range.
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