A patient taking Digoxin is experiencing severe bradycardia, nausea and vomiting. A lab draw shows that their Digoxin level is 4 ng/mi (0.8-2.0 ng/ml). What management does the nurse anticipate the physician to order? Select all that apply.
Hydration with IV fluids
Nothing as the digoxin level is within normal ranges
Hold the Digoxin
Digibind
Narcan
Correct Answer : A
A) Hydration with IV fluids:
IV hydration may be ordered to improve kidney function and help facilitate the excretion of excess digoxin from the body. Digoxin toxicity is often related to impaired renal clearance, so improving hydration can promote renal perfusion and enhance the elimination of the drug. This is a common supportive measure to help in managing digoxin toxicity.
B) Nothing as the digoxin level is within normal ranges:
This is incorrect because the patient's digoxin level is 4 ng/ml, which is significantly above the normal therapeutic range of 0.8–2.0 ng/ml. A level of 4 ng/ml is toxic, and immediate action is required. Symptoms like severe bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting are indicative of digoxin toxicity, and they necessitate prompt intervention.
C) Hold the Digoxin:
In the case of digoxin toxicity, it is crucial to hold the digoxin. Digoxin should be discontinued immediately if toxicity is suspected, as continuing the medication could worsen symptoms like bradycardia and increase the risk of potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. This step is essential to prevent further complications.
D) Digibind:
Digibind (Digoxin immune fab) is a digoxin-specific antibody used in cases of severe digoxin toxicity or overdose. It binds to the digoxin molecules and helps to neutralize its effects. Given the elevated level of digoxin (4 ng/ml) and the presence of symptoms like severe bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting, Digibind is likely to be ordered to reverse the effects of the toxicity.
E) Narcan:
Narcan (naloxone) is used to reverse opioid overdoses, not digoxin toxicity. There is no indication for the use of Narcan in this scenario, as digoxin toxicity does not involve opioid overdose. This intervention would be inappropriate and irrelevant to the management of digoxin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Stop taking ordered corticosteroid once symptoms resolve:
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation in Bell’s Palsy, especially during the acute phase. However, it is important to complete the full course of corticosteroids as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Abruptly stopping corticosteroids can lead to rebound inflammation and potentially worsen the condition.
B) Apply warm compresses to the affected area several times a day:
Warm compresses can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected side of the face. Applying them several times a day can also help improve circulation and ease the discomfort associated with Bell's Palsy. This is a recommended self-care strategy that can help provide relief and improve overall comfort for the client during recovery.
C) Cover the affected eye with an eye protective shield or patch at night:
Bell's Palsy can lead to paralysis of the facial muscles, which may make it difficult for the client to fully close the eyelid on the affected side, leaving the eye vulnerable to dryness and injury. Covering the eye with a protective shield or patch at night helps prevent corneal damage and protects the eye from exposure during sleep. This is an essential part of eye care for a client with Bell’s Palsy to prevent complications.
D) Chew food only on the affected side:
There is no medical recommendation to limit chewing to the unaffected side. In fact, clients should be encouraged to use both sides of their mouth for chewing to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain function. There is no evidence to support that chewing food only on the affected side provides any benefit.
E) Place artificial tears or lubricant to help decrease dryness in the eyes:
Since Bell's Palsy can impair the ability to close the eyelid fully, this can lead to dryness and potential corneal damage on the affected side. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops should be used regularly to moisturize the eye and prevent complications such as corneal ulcers or abrasions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Wear a dosimeter badge and lead apron when providing direct patient care: When caring for a patient undergoing internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), radiation safety is the nurse’s priority. The nurse must take measures to minimize radiation exposure by wearing protective equipment such as a dosimeter badge (to monitor exposure levels) and a lead apron (to shield against radiation). These precautions are critical to protect healthcare workers from potential radiation harm while caring for a patient with a radiation implant.
B) Avoid placing a radiation sign at the entrance of the room for patient privacy: Placing a radiation warning sign at the entrance of the room is a mandatory safety protocol when a patient is undergoing brachytherapy. This warning sign informs healthcare personnel and visitors that radiation is present, and it is important for ensuring safety. Patient privacy should not override radiation safety protocols.
C) Alert family members that they should restrict their visiting to 60 minutes at a time: While it is essential to inform family members about safety precautions when visiting a patient receiving radiation therapy, the priority action for the nurse is to ensure their own safety and radiation exposure first. Limiting family visits is an important step to reduce unnecessary exposure, but this is a secondary concern compared to the nurse's direct radiation safety measures.
D) Explain to the patient that she will continue to emit radiation for months after the implant is removed: The patient will continue emitting radiation only for a short period after the implant is removed. The duration of radiation emission depends on the type of radioactive material used in brachytherapy, but it is typically limited to a few days or weeks at most. In most cases, the nurse would explain to the patient that, after the implant is removed, radiation emission will cease.
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