The nurse is caring for a client prescribed digoxin. When assessing the client for adverse effects, the nurse should assess for which of the following signs and symptoms? (Select All that Apply.)
numbness in extremities
fatigue
Shortness of breath
anorexia
Chest pain
Confusion
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E,F
A. Numbness in extremities: Numbness in extremities is not a common adverse effect of digoxin. The focus of digoxin monitoring is primarily on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects.
B. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common adverse effect of digoxin and can indicate toxicity or overdose. Clients taking digoxin should be monitored for increased fatigue or weakness.
C. Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath can occur as an adverse effect of digoxin toxicity, particularly if it leads to pulmonary congestion or heart failure exacerbation.
D. Anorexia: Anorexia, or loss of appetite, can be a gastrointestinal adverse effect of digoxin. Clients may experience nausea, vomiting, or anorexia, which can contribute to weight loss and electrolyte imbalances.
E. Chest pain: Chest pain can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, especially if it is associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath or palpitations. It is essential to evaluate any chest pain in a client taking digoxin.
F. Confusion: Confusion or changes in mental status can occur with digoxin toxicity, particularly in older adults. Clients should be monitored for signs of confusion, delirium, or other cognitive changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. History of smoking:
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage blood vessels, promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and increase the risk of blood clots, all of which can lead to CAD, heart attacks, and strokes.
B. Body mass index (BMI) of 20:
While obesity and elevated BMI are risk factors for CAD, a BMI of 20 falls within the healthy weight range for most adults. However, it's important to note that BMI alone may not fully capture an individual's overall cardiovascular risk, as factors like body composition, waist circumference, diet, and physical activity level also contribute to heart health.
C. History of diabetes:
Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is a significant risk factor for CAD. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels (atherosclerosis), increase inflammation, and contribute to other metabolic abnormalities that raise the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease.
D. Family history of coronary heart disease:
Having a family history of coronary heart disease (CHD) or premature heart attacks (before age 55 in men or before age 65 in women) increases the risk of developing CAD. Genetic factors play a role in the development of heart disease, and individuals with close relatives affected by CHD have a higher likelihood of developing similar conditions.
E. Female gender:
While gender can influence cardiovascular risk factors and presentation, being female alone is not considered a specific risk factor for CAD. However, women may have different risk profiles or risk factors compared to men, such as hormonal influences (e.g., menopause) and unique symptom presentation for heart disease.
F. Age greater than 45 years for men:
Advancing age is a significant risk factor for CAD, especially for men. Men aged 45 years and older are at increased risk compared to younger age groups due to factors such as the cumulative effects of risk factors over time, hormonal changes, and age-related changes in blood vessels and heart function.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of pulmonary congestion.": Cardiac enzymes are not used to diagnose pulmonary congestion. They are specific markers used to assess damage to the heart muscle, particularly after a myocardial infarction (MI).
B. "These tests help determine the degree of damage to the heart tissues.": This statement is correct. Cardiac enzyme studies, such as troponin levels, CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB), and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), are used to evaluate the extent of myocardial damage during and after an MI. Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate myocardial injury.
C. "These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure.": While cardiac imaging studies like echocardiograms or angiograms are used to assess heart structure, cardiac enzymes are primarily used to evaluate myocardial damage and not heart structure.
D. "Cardiac enzymes will identify the location of the MI.": Cardiac enzymes can indicate the presence of an MI and the extent of myocardial damage, but they do not specifically identify the location of the MI within the heart. Additional diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and imaging studies, are often used to determine the location of the MI.
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