A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation who is on a daily regimen of digoxin. What action should the nurse take before administering this medication?
Measure the patient’s apical pulse.
Offer the patient a light snack.
Check the patient’s blood pressure.
Weigh the patient.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to measure the patient’s apical pulse. Digoxin affects the heart rate, and a low pulse could indicate that the dose needs to be adjusted.
Choice B rationale
Offering a light snack is not specifically required before administering digoxin.
Choice C rationale
While it’s always important to monitor a patient’s blood pressure, it’s not specifically required before administering digoxin.
Choice D rationale
Weighing the patient is not specifically required before administering digoxin.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lifting a patient under the shoulders by two nurses can be strenuous and may not provide adequate support for a patient who can only partially assist.
Choice B rationale
While this method may work for some patients, it relies heavily on the patient’s strength and ability to push with their feet. If the patient is weak or unable to exert enough force, this method could be unsafe.
Choice C rationale
Using a device to reduce friction is the most appropriate technique when shifting a patient who can only partially assist. Devices such as slide sheets or transfer boards can help move the patient smoothly and with less physical strain on the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Lifting the patient’s legs while the patient uses a trapeze bar requires significant upper body strength from the patient and may not be feasible for all patients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drinking a full glass of water after taking the medication is a good practice when taking calcium carbonate antacids. This helps to ensure that the medication is fully swallowed and reaches the stomach, where it can neutralize stomach acid.
Choice B rationale
Limiting sodium intake is not directly related to the use of calcium carbonate antacids. While a low-sodium diet may be recommended for other health reasons, it is not a specific recommendation for patients taking this medication.
Choice C rationale
Consuming the medication alongside dairy products to enhance absorption is not recommended. Calcium carbonate antacids can interact with dairy products, potentially leading to an excessive intake of calcium.
Choice D rationale
Reducing dietary fiber to counteract the potential side effect of diarrhea is not a typical recommendation for patients taking calcium carbonate antacids. While calcium carbonate can cause constipation in some people, it does not typically cause diarrhea.
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