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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in acids, which can be caused by conditions like kidney failure or diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not typically associated with numbness and tingling.
B. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a decreased PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). It typically results from hyperventilation, which leads to excessive elimination of CO2 and subsequent alkalosis. This condition is less likely to occur in gastroenteritis unless there are other complicating factors such as anxiety or pain causing increased respiratory rate.
C. In the context of gastroenteritis, where there may be a loss of stomach acids through vomiting or diarrhea, the most likely acid-base imbalance would be metabolic alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). It results from hypoventilation, leading to retention of CO2 and subsequent acidosis. Respiratory acidosis would not typically present with numbness and tingling in the extremities in the context of gastroenteritis.

A. "I will be drinking a lot of fluid after the test is over." B. "I will be anesthetized so that I lie perfectly still during the procedure." C. "I will make sure I let them know I do not have a shellfish ally." D. "will follow the food and drink restrictions as directed before the test is scheduled."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This statement suggests that the client may not understand the purpose or procedure of the CT scan. CT scans typically do not require the client to drink excessive fluids afterward. However, hydration might be encouraged if contrast dye was used to help eliminate it from the body. Education is needed to clarify post-procedure instructions.
B. This statement indicates a misconception about the procedure. CT scans do not usually require anesthesia unless it's a complex situation, such as a young child or someone with severe claustrophobia. It's essential to educate the client about what to expect during the CT scan to reduce anxiety and ensure cooperation during the procedure.
C. This statement shows awareness of potential allergies to contrast dye, which often contains iodine. It indicates that the client understands the importance of disclosing allergies to the healthcare team before the procedure. While this is generally a positive sign of awareness, further education may still be needed to ensure complete understanding of allergy management.
D. This statement demonstrates understanding of pre-procedure instructions, which often include fasting or specific dietary restrictions. It suggests that the client understands the importance of these restrictions to ensure accurate test results and safety during the CT scan.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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 admitting a client who has gastroenteritis and is reporting numbness and tingling of the toes and fingers. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse recognizes the need for client education when the client scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) states:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

A nurse in a clinic is interviewing a client who will undergo diagnostic testing. The nurse should ask about a client's potential allergies during which phase of the nursing process?

A nurse evaluates a client's arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.1, PaCO2 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention does the nurse implement first?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?

A nurse is caring for a client 8 hr postoperative following a total knee replacement. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who is well-hydrated and who demonstrates no evidence of anemia. Which of the following laboratory values gives the nurse an assessment of the adequacy of the client's protein uptake and synthesis?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has a history of atherosclerosis and notes elevated cholesterol levels. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the nurse should plan follow-up teaching on a low-cholesterol diet?