Which of the following would the nurse recognize as beta blockers? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not delay the administration of digoxin based on the heart rate alone, unless it is below 60 beats per minute. The nurse should also consider the serum potassium level, which is low in this case and increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Choice B reason: This statement is true. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD, as the client has a low potassium level, which can potentiate the effects of digoxin and cause arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. The MD may order a serum digoxin level, potassium supplementation, or a dose adjustment.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to call the prescriber and ask for a chest x-ray, as this is not relevant to the digoxin order. A chest x-ray may be indicated to assess the severity of heart failure, but it does not affect the decision to administer digoxin.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not give the digoxin as ordered, as the client has a low potassium level, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD for further instructions..

Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that it is psychological, as this is not true and may offend the client. The difference between IV and oral medications is not based on the client's belief or perception, but on the pharmacokinetics of the drugs.

Choice B reason: This statement is true. The nurse's best response is to explain that oral medications take longer to absorb into the system than IV medications, as oral medications have to pass through the digestive tract and the liver before reaching the bloodstream. IV medications are injected directly into the vein and bypass the digestive tract and the liver. Therefore, IV medications have a faster onset of action and a higher bioavailability than oral medications.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that there is no difference between IV and oral medications, as this is not true and may confuse the client. IV and oral medications have different routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. These factors affect the drug levels and effects in the body.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that IV medication doses are always higher than oral doses, as this is not true and may mislead the client. IV and oral medication doses are determined by the drug characteristics, the client's condition, and the desired outcome. Sometimes, IV medication doses are lower than oral doses, as IV medications have a higher bioavailability and a more potent effect than oral medications.