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 D

Explanation

A. PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) reflects the respiratory component of acid-base balance. In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by increasing ventilation to decrease PaCO2 (hyperventilation). Therefore, PaCO2 is typically below normal (less than 35-45 mm Hg) in metabolic acidosis, not above 45 mm Hg.
B. HCO3 (bicarbonate) is a buffer that helps regulate pH in the body. In metabolic acidosis, there is a primary decrease in HCO3 due to either increased acid production (e.g., lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis) or decreased acid elimination (e.g., renal failure). Therefore, HCO3 is typically below normal (< 22-26 mEq/L) in metabolic acidosis, not above 26 mEq/L.
C. PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) measures the oxygen level in the blood. It is not directly related to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Low PaO2 levels may indicate respiratory dysfunction or impaired gas exchange but are not specific to metabolic acidosis.
D. pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the primary defect is a decrease in blood pH due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases. The pH typically decreases below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 in metabolic acidosis.

A. Patient with lung surgery has 20 ml/hr of urine output via catheter. B. Patient with appendix surgery has thready pulse and blood pressure is 90/60. C. Patient with knee surgery has approximated incision. D. Patient with femoral artery surgery has strong pedal pulse. E. Patient with bladder surgery has bloody urine within the first 12 hours.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A. A urine output of 20 ml/hr is considered inadequate and may indicate decreased kidney perfusion or function. This client likely needs immediate assessment and intervention to address potential renal complications.
B. A patient with appendix surgery exhibiting a thready pulse and a blood pressure of 90/60 should be followed up immediately, as these signs can indicate shock, which is a medical emergency.
C. An approximated incision indicates that the wound edges are well-aligned and healing is progressing as expected. This does not typically warrant immediate follow-up unless there are signs of infection or other complications.
D. A strong pedal pulse suggests adequate blood flow distal to the surgical site. This is a positive finding and does not typically require immediate follow-up unless there are signs of vascular compromise or other complications.
E. A patient with bladder surgery having bloody urine within the first 12 hours can be expected, but if the bleeding is heavy or increases, it would warrant immediate follow-up.

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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

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client who the provider suspects has metabolic acidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect to see?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which of the following post-surgical clients warrant an immediate follow up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

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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?