A nurse is planning to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following laboratory results is the priority for the nurse to review prior to administering the medication?

Hemoglobin

Creatinine

Blood urea nitrogen

Potassium

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Hemoglobin levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. While anemia can affect tissue oxygenation and exacerbate symptoms in heart failure, it is not directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.
B.   Creatinine levels are used to assess kidney function. Impaired kidney function can affect the clearance of digoxin from the body, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity. However, potassium levels have a more direct impact on the risk of digoxin toxicity.
C.   BUN levels are also used to assess kidney function. Similar to creatinine, impaired kidney function can affect digoxin clearance, but potassium levels are more directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.
D.   Potassium levels are critical because hypokalemia (low potassium) can predispose the client to digoxin toxicity. Digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac cells. When potassium levels are low, digoxin can bind more readily to these pumps, leading to increased toxicity and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

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Correct Answer is ["167"]

Explanation

1 kilogram is equivalent to 2.2 pounds.

The client weighs 245 lbs, which is approximately 111.36 kg (245 lbs / 2.2). The prescribed dosage is 1.5 mg per kilogram.

Therefore, the dosage per dose would be 1.5 mg/kg * 111.36 kg, which equals 167.04 mg. Rounded to the nearest whole number, the nurse should administer 167 mg per dose.

A. To determine how the client will tolerate the procedure B. To establish a baseline for postoperative assessment C. To prevent postoperative hypotension D. To assess the client's pain level

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, provide baseline information about the client's cardiovascular and respiratory status. This assessment helps predict how well the client might tolerate the surgical procedure under anesthesia and monitor for any deviations during the procedure.
B. Establishing baseline vital signs before surgery provides a comparison point for monitoring the client's recovery and identifying any postoperative complications. Changes in vital signs postoperatively can indicate potential issues such as bleeding, fluid imbalance, or respiratory compromise.
C. Monitoring blood pressure before surgery helps identify clients at risk for intraoperative hypotension, particularly important during induction of anesthesia and throughout the surgical procedure. Establishing baseline blood pressure levels guides intraoperative management to maintain hemodynamic stability.
D. While vital signs are important for assessing physiological status, they do not directly assess pain. Pain assessment involves asking the client about their pain experience, location, intensity, and factors that alleviate or exacerbate pain. Vital signs can indirectly reflect pain if pain causes changes in heart rate or blood pressure, but they are not specific indicators of pain.

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A nurse is planning to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following laboratory results is the priority for the nurse to review prior to administering the medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["167"]

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a client for a hip arthroplasty. For which of the following reasons should the nurse assess the client's vital signs?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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