A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following factors predisposes this client to developing digoxin toxicity?
Taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor.
Having a 10-year history of COPD.
Taking a high-ceiling diuretic.
Having a prolapsed mitral valve.
The Correct Answer is C
Taking a high-ceiling diuretic predisposes this client to developing digoxin toxicity because it can cause hypokalemia (low blood potassium level), which increases the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin. Digoxin is a medicine that is used to treat heart failure or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) by increasing cardiac contractility and controlling the heart rate. Digoxin toxicity happens when there is too much digoxin in the body and it becomes harmful, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, vision disturbance, and irregular heartbeat.
Choice A is wrong because taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (also called a statin) does not increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Statins are lipid-lowering medications used to prevent coronary heart disease by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis.
Statins do not affect the blood potassium level or the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin.
Choice B is wrong because having a 10-year history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) does not increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. COPD is a lung condition that causes breathing difficulties and chronic inflammation.
COPD does not affect the blood potassium level or the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin.
Choice D is wrong because having a prolapsed mitral valve does not increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
A prolapsed mitral valve is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart does not close properly, allowing some blood to leak back into the atrium.
A prolapsed mitral valve does not affect the blood potassium level or the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Methimazole is an antithyroid medication that blocks the thyroid from making thyroid hormones. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess hormones. After taking methimazole for 2 months, the client should expect to see a reduction in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased pulse rate, and heat intolerance. Increased sleeping is a sign of improved thyroid function, as hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia and restlessness.
Choice A is wrong because weight loss is a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the thyroid hormone levels and help the client gain weight.
Choice B is wrong because an increase in pulse rate is also a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the heart rate and blood pressure by reducing thyroid hormone levels.
Choice D is wrong because warmer skin is another symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should improve the client’s heat tolerance and make the skin cooler and less sweaty.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
According to the CDC, people with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) should not get that vaccine. However, people with egg allergy can get a flu vaccine. The CDC also states that people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine should not get that flu vaccine again and might not be able to receive other influenza vaccines. Therefore, a nurse should report an egg allergy to the provider as a possible contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
Choice A is wrong because shellfish is not an ingredient in a flu vaccine and is not a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
Choice C is wrong because milk is not an ingredient in a flu vaccine and is not a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
Choice D is wrong because peanuts are not an ingredient in a flu vaccine and are not a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
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