A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client who is experiencing heart failure. Which of the following actions should the take prior to administering this medication?
Auscultate the client's lung sounds
Check the client's weight.
Check the client's apical pulse.
Obtain the client's oxygen saturation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Auscultate the client's lung sounds: While lung sounds are important to assess in clients with heart failure, auscultating lung sounds is not directly required before administering digoxin. The immediate concern with digoxin is its effect on heart rate and rhythm.
B. Check the client's weight: Monitoring weight is important in heart failure management to assess fluid retention, but weight measurement is not necessary immediately prior to administering a dose of digoxin.
C. Check the client's apical pulse: Before giving digoxin, it is critical to assess the client's apical pulse for one full minute. If the pulse is below a specified rate (60 beats/min for adults), the dose may need to be withheld and the provider notified due to the risk of digoxin-induced bradycardia.
D. Obtain the client's oxygen saturation: Oxygen saturation is important in evaluating respiratory function, but it is not a priority action before administering digoxin. The primary safety check is heart rate assessment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F","G"]
Explanation
- Prepare client for insertion of 18-gauge peripheral IV prior to surgery: A large-bore IV catheter, such as an 18-gauge, is necessary before surgery to ensure rapid administration of fluids, medications, or blood products if needed during the procedure. It is a measure to support hemodynamic stability during anesthesia and surgery.
- Administer Rh, D immune globin prior to surgery: The client's blood type is B negative. Because an ectopic pregnancy involves fetal tissue, and there's a potential for fetal-maternal blood mixing during the surgery, administering Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) is crucial to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative women who may be carrying an Rh-positive fetus. This is typically given within 72 hours of a potential sensitizing event.
- Obtain a complete blood count: A CBC is critical to assess hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels before surgery. This helps the healthcare team anticipate the risk of bleeding and determine if transfusions might be necessary during or after the laparoscopic procedure.
- Explain the surgical procedure to the client: Explaining the surgical procedure is the provider's responsibility, not the nurse's role. The nurse can reinforce teaching and answer basic questions but should not be the primary person explaining the procedure or obtaining informed consent.
- Remind client to be NPO prior to surgery: Maintaining NPO status is essential to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. The client should avoid eating or drinking for a specified time before surgery, following the facility's preoperative protocol.
- Verify consent form is signed by the client: Verifying that the informed consent form is properly signed is a crucial nursing responsibility before surgery. It ensures legal compliance and confirms that the client has been informed about the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A client who has a urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection is generally straightforward to manage with antibiotics and does not usually require input from multiple disciplines unless complications arise.
B. A client who has a spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury often involves complex care needs requiring input from several disciplines, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and nutrition services. Coordinated planning is essential to optimize recovery and long-term management.
C. A client who has acute appendicitis: Acute appendicitis typically requires prompt surgical intervention but does not usually require an interprofessional conference unless there are unusual complications or comorbidities.
D. A client who has a torn rotator cuff: A torn rotator cuff is typically managed with surgical repair or physical therapy. While it may involve multiple providers, it generally does not require a full interprofessional conference unless extensive rehabilitation needs are anticipated.
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