Which of the following would Nurse Tony supposed to regard as a cardinal manifestation or symptom of digoxin toxicity to his patient Clay diagnosed with heart failure?
Constipation
Respiratory distress
Headache
Extreme Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is D
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain heart rhythm disorders. However, it has a narrow therapeutic window, and digoxin toxicity can occur if the drug accumulates in the body to excessive levels. One of the hallmark signs of digoxin toxicity is severe bradycardia, which means an abnormally slow heart rate. Bradycardia can result from the effects of digoxin on the electrical conduction system of the heart, leading to an irregular or slowed heartbeat.
While other symptoms can occur in digoxin toxicity, such as gastrointestinal symptoms (like nausea and vomiting), neurological symptoms (like confusion and visual disturbances), and even respiratory distress in severe cases, extreme bradycardia is a key and often life-threatening sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Constipation (A) and headache (C) can also occur as side effects of digoxin but are less specific to digoxin toxicity and may not be considered cardinal manifestations.
Respiratory distress (B) may occur if the bradycardia leads to inadequate cardiac output, causing pulmonary congestion, but it is not a primary or cardinal symptom of digoxin toxicity. Extreme bradycardia is typically the more immediate and prominent concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
PDA is a congenital heart defect where a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus, which is supposed to close shortly after birth, remains open. This allows oxygenated blood from the aorta to flow back into the pulmonary artery, leading to increased pulmonary blood flow and congestion. Over time, this can lead to increased pulmonary vascular congestion and potentially cause complications such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Surgical repair of PDA, often through a procedure known as ligation or closure of the ductus arteriosus, is performed to stop this abnormal blood flow and prevent the associated complications, particularly the increase in pulmonary vascular congestion.
The other options (B, C, and D) are not the primary complications associated with PDA and surgical repair is not performed primarily to address these issues:
B. Decreased workload on the left side of the heart is not a primary reason for surgical repair of PDA, although it can be a potential benefit of closing the ductus arteriosus.
C. Pulmonary infection is not a direct complication of PDA, but the increased pulmonary blood flow associated with a large PDA can make the lungs more susceptible to respiratory infections.
D. Right-to-left shunt of blood is not a typical complication of PDA. PDA typically involves left-to-right shunting of blood, with oxygenated blood flowing back into the pulmonary circulation, leading to complications related to increased pulmonary blood flow.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. One of the hallmark signs of infective endocarditis is fever, often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, chills, and joint pain. A persistent fever in a child, especially when associated with other signs or symptoms like new heart murmurs or petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), can be concerning for infective endocarditis.
The other symptoms and findings listed (proteinuria, ESR, weight gain, hemoglobin levels) are not specific to infective endocarditis and may have other potential causes or interpretations. It is important to consider a comprehensive clinical evaluation and laboratory tests when assessing a child with suspected infective endocarditis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today