Before administering digoxin, it is Important for the nurse to do which of the following?
Check the weight of the patient
Check the skin for bruising
Check the apical pulse
Check the temperate of the patient
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Nausea and vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting are common gastrointestinal side effects of ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, or even gastritis and peptic ulcers with long-term use. This is a well-known side effect of NSAIDs, and clients are often advised to take the medication with food to reduce the risk.
B) Drowsiness:
While some individuals may experience fatigue or a mild sedative effect, it is not typically associated with ibuprofen. Other pain medications, such as opioids or certain antihistamines, are more likely to cause drowsiness, but this is rare for ibuprofen.
C) Blurred vision:
While serious side effects of NSAIDs can include vision changes (e.g., from elevated blood pressure or kidney dysfunction), blurred vision is not directly related to ibuprofen use. If blurred vision occurs, it is important to investigate other potential causes or conditions.
D) Increased heart rate:
Ibuprofen primarily affects the inflammatory pathways and the gastrointestinal system, and does not typically cause changes in heart rate. However, in rare cases, NSAIDs can lead to cardiovascular issues such as increased blood pressure, which could indirectly affect heart rate, but tachycardia is not a common or expected side effect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Cough:
Cough is more commonly associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril or lisinopril, rather than with beta blockers. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. Beta blockers do not generally have a direct effect on causing cough, so this is not a typical side effect of beta blockers.
B) Hypotension:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a common and well-documented side effect of beta blockers. Beta blockers, such as metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol, work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate and the force of heart contractions, which can lower blood pressure. In patients with already low blood pressure or those receiving other antihypertensive medications, this effect may be more pronounced and could lead to symptomatic hypotension, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.
C) Anxiety:
Anxiety is not a common side effect of beta blockers. In fact, beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety, particularly for physical symptoms like palpitations and tremors. However, anxiety may worsen in some individuals due to other factors, such as the psychological impact of dealing with heart disease, but this is not a typical side effect of beta blockers.
D) Elevated heart rate:
Beta blockers work to decrease heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors. This leads to a slower heart rate and reduced workload on the heart. Therefore, elevated heart rate is not a common side effect of beta blockers. In fact, if the heart rate becomes too low (bradycardia), this can be a concerning side effect, but it is the opposite of an elevated heart rate.
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