What action should the nurse take prior to administering an intravenous anti-arrhythmic medication such as amiodarone to a client?
Administer a laxative to avoid constipation.
Place an NG tube to decompress the stomach.
Call for respiratory to intubate the client.
Attach the client to a cardiac monitor.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to administer a laxative to the client before giving amiodarone, as amiodarone is not known to cause constipation. Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic medication that slows down the electrical impulses in the heart and restores a normal heart rhythm. It does not affect the bowel function or the gastrointestinal motility.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to place an NG tube to the client before giving amiodarone, as amiodarone is not known to cause gastric distension. An NG tube is a nasogastric tube that is inserted through the nose and into the stomach to remove air or fluid. It is used for clients who have bowel obstruction, vomiting, or bleeding. Amiodarone does not cause any of these conditions.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to call for respiratory to intubate the client before giving amiodarone, as amiodarone is not known to cause respiratory depression. Intubation is a procedure that involves inserting a tube through the mouth and into the trachea to assist breathing. It is used for clients who have difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, or airway obstruction. Amiodarone does not cause any of these conditions.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. The nurse should attach the client to a cardiac monitor before giving amiodarone, as amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic medication that can affect the heart rate, rhythm, and conduction. A cardiac monitor is a device that records the electrical activity of the heart and displays it on a screen. It is used to detect and treat any abnormal heartbeats, such as arrhythmias, bradycardia, or tachycardia. The nurse should monitor the client's cardiac status closely and report any changes to the prescriber.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. INR level is not a priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin, as digoxin is not an anticoagulant. INR level is used to monitor the effects of warfarin, which is a different medication.
Choice B reason:The apical heart rate is the priority assessment for patients receiving digoxin. Digoxin slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node and strengthens cardiac contractions. It can cause bradycardia, particularly if the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute. Monitoring the apical heart rate ensures that digoxin is safe to administer. If bradycardia is detected, the dose should be withheld, and the prescribing provider should be notified.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Blood pressure is not a priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin, as digoxin does not have a significant effect on blood pressure. Blood pressure is more relevant for other medications used to treat heart failure, such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or beta-blockers.
Choice D reason: While monitoring temperature is part of a comprehensive assessment, it is not directly relevant to digoxin administration. Fever might indicate infection, which could exacerbate heart failure, but it is not a priority assessment for digoxin therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Atorvastatin is not a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular events. It does not have a significant effect on blood pressure, heart rate, or blood glucose.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. Captopril is a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and prevents kidney damage. However, it can also cause hyperkalemia, which is a condition where the potassium level is too high. The client has a high potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias or muscle weakness. The nurse should hold the captopril and notify the prescriber.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Atenolol is not a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate. It can also prevent angina and reduce the risk of heart attack. The client has a normal heart rate and a slightly elevated blood pressure, which can be expected after surgery. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and administer the atenolol as ordered.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Glipizide is not a medication that the nurse should hold, as it is an oral antidiabetic drug that lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. The client has a normal blood glucose level, which can be maintained by taking the glipizide as ordered. The nurse should also encourage the client to follow a balanced diet and exercise regimen.
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