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 D

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 A

Explanation

A. Diarrhea can lead to loss of bicarbonate from the body, resulting in metabolic acidosis. The loss of bicarbonate through gastrointestinal fluids causes an imbalance between acids and bases in the body.
B. Salicylates (such as aspirin) can cause metabolic acidosis by several mechanisms, including direct stimulation of the respiratory center in the brainstem (leading to hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis initially) and later causing metabolic acidosis due to increased production of acids like lactic acid and ketoacids.
C. Vomiting can lead to loss of gastric acid (hydrochloric acid), which could initially lead to metabolic alkalosis due to loss of acid.
D. Thiazide diuretics can cause metabolic alkalosis rather than metabolic acidosis. They promote the loss of potassium and hydrogen ions (acid), leading to increased blood pH (alkalosis).

A. Give the client aback massage. B. Teach the client relaxation techniques. C. Assist the client to cough and deep breathe ev D. Encourage the client to turn every 4 hr. E. Administer PRN analgesics as needed.

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

Explanation

A. Postoperative patients often experience muscle tension and discomfort due to lying in one position for an extended period. A gentle back massage can help relieve muscle stiffness, promote relaxation, and improve circulation. It is a non-invasive comfort measure that can enhance the client's overall well- being.
B. Teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation can help the client manage pain, reduce anxiety, and promote faster recovery. These techniques are beneficial postoperatively as they encourage relaxation and improve overall comfort.
C. Postoperative clients are at risk of developing respiratory complications such as atelectasis (partial lung collapse) or pneumonia due to shallow breathing or inadequate lung expansion. Coughing and deep breathing exercises help to clear secretions, improve lung function, and prevent respiratory complications. It is typically recommended to perform these exercises every hour to maintain lung expansion and prevent complications.
D. Encouraging the client to turn every 2 hours (D), not every 4 hours, is essential to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation.
E. Postoperative pain management is essential for the client's comfort and recovery. Pain can interfere with the client's ability to cough, deep breathe, and move effectively, which may increase the risk of complications. Administering analgesics as needed helps to control pain, improve overall comfort, and promote participation in necessary activities such as coughing, deep breathing, and turning.

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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 medical records of four clients who have an acid-base imbalance. The nurse should recognize that which of the following clients is at risk for metabolic acidosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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

Explanation

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