The nurse is reviewing the client’s laboratory results. Based on a client’s serum digoxin level, the client is diagnosed with digoxin toxicity. Which action should the nurse expect to implement?
Begin cardioversion to stabilize heart rhythm.
Give digoxin by another route to slow absorption.
Administer potassium to stabilize the heart rate.
Check acid-base and electrolyte values.
The Correct Answer is D
- Begin cardioversion to stabilize heart rhythm: Cardioversion is not the appropriate intervention for digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity can cause arrhythmias, but the initial action should be to assess and manage the underlying cause, rather than immediately proceeding to cardioversion.
B) Give digoxin by another route to slow absorption: Slowing the absorption of digoxin is not the appropriate action for treating digoxin toxicity. Instead, the focus should be on managing the existing toxicity and preventing further absorption by withholding additional doses.
C) Administer potassium to stabilize the heart rate: While potassium may be indicated as part of the treatment for digoxin toxicity, particularly if hypokalemia is contributing to the toxicity, it is not the initial action. The priority is to assess the client’s acid-base and electrolyte values to identify any abnormalities contributing to the toxicity.
D) Check acid-base and electrolyte values: This is the correct action. Digoxin toxicity can be exacerbated by electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. Therefore, assessing the client’s acid-base and electrolyte values is essential to identify and correct any abnormalities contributing to the toxicity. Once identified, appropriate interventions can be implemented to manage the toxicity and stabilize the client’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Irritable bowel syndrome: While it's im’ortant to consider the client's me’ical history comprehensively, sumatriptan succinate is primarily contraindicated in clients with a history of coronary artery disease due to its potential vasoconstrictive effects.
B) Coronary artery disease: This is the correct response. Sumatriptan succinate is contraindicated in clients with a history of coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease due to its potential to cause coronary vasospasm and increase the risk of myocardial ischemia or infarction.
C) Type 2 diabetes mellitus: While it's im’ortant to consider the client's ov’rall medical history, type 2 diabetes mellitus is not specifically contraindicated with sumatriptan succinate use.
D) Seasonal allergic rhinitis: While seasonal allergic rhinitis is relevant to the client's me’ical history, it is not directly related to the contraindications of sumatriptan succinate.
Therefore, the most crucial consideration before administering sumatriptan succinate is to determine if the client has a history of coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease to avoid potential adverse cardiac effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) A serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL falls within the reference range (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse. Creatinine levels within the reference range suggest normal kidney function.
B) A platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10^9/L) is below the lower limit of the reference range (150,000 to 400,000/mm3). Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, increases the risk of bleeding complications, especially when administering anticoagulants like enoxaparin. Therefore, a platelet count of 100,000/mm3 requires immediate action by the nurse to assess for bleeding and notify the healthcare provider.
C) A hematocrit of 45% (0.45 volume fraction) falls within the reference range (42% to 52%) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse.
D) A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L) falls within the reference range (10 to 20 mg/dl) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse.
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