The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure who has been prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). The patient’s apical pulse rate is 58 beats/min. What should the nurse do next?
Administer the medication as ordered.
Hold the medication and notify the provider.
Check the patient’s serum digoxin level.
Give an additional dose of digoxin.
The Correct Answer is B
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac glycoside that is used to improve the contractility of the heart and slow down the heart rate in patients with chronic heart failure. However, digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause toxicity if the dose is too high or if the patient has low potassium levels. A normal serum digoxin level is 0.5 to 2 ng/mL and a normal serum potassium level is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. A low heart rate (less than 60 beats/min) is a sign of digoxin toxicity and the nurse should withhold the medication and report it to the provider. The nurse should also check the patient’s serum digoxin and potassium levels to determine if they are within normal limits.
Choice A is wrong because administering the medication as ordered could worsen the patient’s condition and increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Choice C is wrong because checking the patient’s serum digoxin level is not enough to prevent digoxin toxicity. The nurse should also check the patient’s serum potassium level and heart rate before giving digoxin.
Choice D is wrong because giving an additional dose of digoxin could cause a fatal overdose and lead to cardiac arrest. The nurse should never give more than the prescribed dose of digoxin without consulting the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should advise the patient with heart failure to limit or avoid canned soups and sauces because they are high in sodium, which can cause fluid retention and worsen cardiac function.Sodium intake should be restricted to less than 2 g per day for patients with heart failure.
Choice A is wrong because fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are beneficial for heart health.Potassium and magnesium help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because whole grains and cereals are also rich in fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and prevent rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels.Whole grains and cereals may also contain phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Choice C is wrong because lean meats and poultry are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Lean meats and poultry provide protein, which is essential for tissue repair and wound healing.Protein intake should be adequate but not excessive for patients with heart failure, as too much protein can increase the workload of the kidneys.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that increases urine output and decreases intracranial pressure and intraocular pressure. The nurse should check the urine output before giving the medication to ensure adequate renal function and prevent fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. The normal urine output is 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hr.
Choice B is wrong because checking the blood pressure is not specific to mannitol administration. Mannitol can cause hypotension or hypertension depending on the fluid status of the client, but this is not the priority action before giving the medication.
Choice C is wrong because checking the blood glucose is not relevant to mannitol administration. Mannitol does not affect blood glucose levels.
Choice D is wrong because checking the oxygen saturation is not related to mannitol administration. Mannitol does not affect oxygen saturation levels.
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