A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data on a client who has a new prescription for heparin for treatment of a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following data should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A reason: Weighing the client is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the dosage or effectiveness of the medication. Weighing the client may be important for monitoring fluid balance and edema, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice B reason: Measuring the client's blood pressure is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the dosage or effectiveness of the medication. Digoxin is not a blood pressure-lowering medication, but a cardiac glycoside that increases the contractility and efficiency of the heart. Measuring the blood pressure may be important for monitoring hypertension, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice C reason: Measuring the client's apical pulse is a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it can help determine the safety and appropriateness of the medication. Digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect, which can be dangerous and symptomatic. The nurse should check the apical pulse for one full minute and withhold the medication if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute or above 100 beats per minute. The nurse should also report any abnormal or irregular rhythms to the provider.

Choice D reason: Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of the medication. Digoxin can be taken with or without food. Offering the client a light snack may be important for maintaining nutrition and hydration, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice A reason: "Place one tablet under your tongue every 5 minutes for 30 minutes to relieve chest pain." is not the correct statement. This is an incorrect and potentially dangerous instruction, as it can cause overdose and severe hypotension. The nurse should instruct the client to place one tablet under the tongue at the first sign of chest pain, and repeat every 5 minutes for up to three doses, if needed. The client should call 911 if the pain is not relieved after the first dose.

Choice B reason: "Nitroglycerin decreases chest pain by dissolving blood clots that are occluding the arteries." is not the correct statement. This is a false and misleading explanation of how nitroglycerin works. Nitroglycerin does not dissolve blood clots, nor does it affect the occlusion of the arteries. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, especially the veins. This reduces the preload and the oxygen demand of the heart, and relieves the chest pain caused by ischemia.

Choice C reason: "You can store the bottle of tablets in your bathroom medicine cabinet." is not the correct statement. This is an inappropriate and unsafe storage recommendation, as it can affect the potency and effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should instruct the client to store the bottle of tablets in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from heat, moisture, and light. The client should also keep the bottle tightly closed and replace it every 6 months, or as directed by the provider.

Choice D reason: "Nitroglycerin dilates cardiac blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart." is the correct statement. This is a simple and accurate description of how nitroglycerin helps to relieve anginal pain. Nitroglycerin dilates the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This improves the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the ischemic areas of the heart, and reduces the pain and discomfort.