A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin 1.5 mg PO to a client.

The amount available is digoxin 0.5 mg/tablet.

How many tablets should the nurse administer?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Step 1 is: Convert hours to minutes: 8 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes.

Step 2 is: Calculate the drops/minute: (1000 mL ÷ 480 minutes) × 15 gtts/mL.

Step 3 is: Perform the division: 1000 mL ÷ 480 minutes ≈ 2.0833 mL/min.

Step 4 is: Perform the multiplication: 2.0833 mL/min × 15 gtts/mL ≈ 31.25 drops/min.

Step 5 is: Round the answer to the nearest whole number: 31 drops/min.

Final calculated answer: 31 drops/min.

Choice A rationale

Attaching a wristband indicating the client's allergy is a good practice, but it is not the priority action. The priority is to notify the provider to avoid any potential allergic reactions during the procedure.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the dietary department is not relevant in this context. The priority is to ensure the provider is aware of the allergy to prevent an adverse reaction during the cardiac catheterization.

Choice C rationale

Asking the client about other food allergies is important, but the priority action is to notify the provider immediately to ensure the safety of the client during the procedure.

Choice D rationale

Notifying the provider of the client's allergy is the priority action. This ensures that the provider can take necessary precautions to prevent an allergic reaction during the cardiac catheterization procedure.