A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to an infant with a congenital heart disease. What is the nurse's priority action before giving the medication?
Check the infant's apical heart rate.
Measure the infant's blood pressure.
Assess the infant's capillary refill time.
Observe for any signs of respiratory distress.
The Correct Answer is A
A) The answer is A. Before administering digoxin, the nurse should check the infant's apical heart rate for a full minute. Digoxin is a medication used to improve cardiac contractility, and knowing the heart rate helps ensure the medication is given safely and at the correct dose.
B) Incorrect. While measuring blood pressure is essential in some cases, it is not the priority action before administering digoxin.
C) Incorrect. Assessing capillary refill time is an important part of the overall assessment, but it is not the priority action before giving digoxin.
D) Incorrect. While observing for respiratory distress is crucial, it is not the priority action in this specific scenario of preparing to administer digoxin. Checking the heart rate takes precedence.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct answer. Gestational diabetes is associated with an increased risk of congenital heart diseases in the baby. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can affect fetal development and increase the likelihood of birth defects, including heart defects.
B) This option is incorrect. While preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication, it is not specifically linked to an increased risk of congenital heart diseases.
C) This option is incorrect. Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland during pregnancy, may pose risks to both the mother and baby, but it is not directly associated with congenital heart diseases.
D) This option is incorrect. Iron deficiency anemia can affect maternal and fetal health, but it is not considered a risk factor for congenital heart diseases.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Not all medications are safe to use during pregnancy, and some may pose risks to the developing baby, including potential congenital heart defects.
B) Correct answer. Some medications, like certain antihypertensives and medications with known teratogenic effects, can increase the risk of congenital heart diseases if used during pregnancy. It is essential for pregnant individuals to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage any medical conditions and choose safe medications during pregnancy.
C) This option is incorrect. Some vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby from certain infections. Properly administered vaccinations during pregnancy are generally safe and do not significantly impact heart development.
D) This option is incorrect. Medication use during pregnancy can have various effects on the developing baby, and certain medications may increase the risk of congenital heart diseases.
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