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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct answer. Ethnic background and cultural practices can influence the risk of congenital heart diseases. Some genetic and environmental factors that contribute to heart defects may vary among different ethnic groups.
B) This option is incorrect. While prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation is important for maternal and fetal health, it is not a specific risk factor for congenital heart diseases.
C) This option is incorrect. Fetal movements and kicking patterns are important indicators of fetal well-being, but they are not directly related to the risk of congenital heart diseases.
D) This option is incorrect. Employment and work-related stress levels are not known risk factors for congenital heart diseases.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. While some individuals with congenital heart diseases may remain asymptomatic, others can experience symptoms depending on the type and severity of the condition.
B) This option is incorrect. Congenital heart diseases are present from birth, and symptoms may manifest shortly after birth or during infancy, childhood, or adolescence.
C) Correct answer. Common symptoms of congenital heart diseases can include cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin or lips due to poor oxygenation), fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may arise due to poor blood circulation and oxygenation.
D) This option is incorrect. Congenital heart diseases do not typically present with mild cold-like symptoms and fever. These are more indicative of common respiratory infections, unrelated to heart conditions.
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