A teenage client weighs 102 lbs. Calculate the weight in kilogram (to the nearest tenth):

A) Check the weight of the patient:
While weight monitoring is important in managing heart failure and tracking fluid retention, it is not the most critical action before administering digoxin. Digoxin primarily affects heart rate and rhythm, so the priority assessment is related to the cardiovascular system.

B) Check the skin for bruising:
Checking for bruising is not a necessary step before administering digoxin. Bruising could be an indication of an underlying bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy, but it is not directly related to the administration of digoxin. The primary concern with digoxin is its effect on the heart, particularly heart rate and rhythm.

C) Check the apical pulse:
It is crucial to check the apical pulse before administering digoxin, as one of the major effects of the drug is to slow the heart rate (negative chronotropy). If the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute (bpm), the nurse should hold the medication and consult the healthcare provider, as digoxin can further decrease the heart rate and lead to bradycardia or other complications.

D) Check the temperature of the patient:
Although monitoring vital signs, including temperature, is important in overall patient care, temperature does not specifically impact the administration of digoxin. A normal or abnormal temperature would not typically influence the decision to give digoxin unless the patient had a fever due to an underlying infection that could complicate the clinical picture. The priority is assessing the pulse to ensure safe administration of the medication.

Given:

Ordered dose of antibiotic: 250 mg

Vial contains: 250 mg of antibiotic

Reconstitution volume: 1.7 mL of sterile water

Final volume after reconstitution: 2 mL

Step 1: Determine the concentration of the reconstituted solution:

Concentration (mg/mL) = Total amount of drug (mg) / Total volume (mL)

Concentration (mg/mL) = 250 mg / 2 mL

Concentration (mg/mL) = 125 mg/mL

Step 2: Calculate the volume to be administered:

Volume (mL) = Ordered dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Volume (mL) = 250 mg / 125 mg/mL

Volume (mL) = 2 mL