A mother calls the nurse to report that at 0900 she administered an oral dose of digoxin to her 4-month-old infant, but at 0920 the baby vomited the medicine. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this mother?

Administer a half dose now.

Give another dose.

Mix the next dose with food.

Withhold this dose.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A: Administering a half dose now is not advisable, because it may result in underdosing or overdosing of digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and a high risk of toxicity, especially in infants and children. The amount of digoxin absorbed by the infant before vomiting is unknown, so giving a partial dose may not achieve therapeutic levels or may exceed safe levels.

Choice B: Giving another dose is not advisable, because it may result in overdosing of digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and a high risk of toxicity, especially in infants and children. The amount of digoxin absorbed by the infant before vomiting is unknown, so giving a full dose may exceed safe levels and cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, arrhythmias, or visual disturbances.

Choice C: Mixing the next dose with food is not advisable, because it may affect the absorption and bioavailability of digoxin. Digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach or at least one hour before or two hours after meals, because food can interfere with its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and reduce its effectiveness.

Choice D: Withholding the dose is the safest option. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of administration, it’s generally advised to skip that dose to avoid the risk of overdose. The next dose should be given as scheduled Digoxin has a long half-life and accumulates in tissues, so missing one dose will not significantly affect its therapeutic effect. Withholding this dose will avoid overdosing and toxicity of digoxin, which can be life-threatening in infants and children. The nurse should also advise the mother to resume the regular dosing schedule and monitor the infant's pulse rate and signs of digoxin toxicity.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.

Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.

Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

A. Provide diet low in phosphorus. B. Note signs of swelling and edema. C. Increase oral fluid intake to 1,500 mL daily. D. Monitor abdominal girth. E. Report serum albumin and globulin levels.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because providing a diet low in phosphorus is not indicated for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Phosphorus restriction is more relevant for clients with renal failure, not liver failure.

Choice B reason: This is correct because noting signs of swelling and edema is an essential intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Swelling and edema are signs of fluid retention and portal hypertension, which are common complications of liver disease.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because increasing oral fluid intake to 1,500 mL daily is not advisable for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Fluid restriction may be necessary to prevent fluid overload and ascites, which are common complications of liver disease.

Choice D reason: This is correct because monitoring abdominal girth is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Abdominal girth measurement can indicate the presence and severity of ascites, which is a common complication of liver disease.

Choice E reason: This is correct because reporting serum albumin and globulin levels is a vital intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Serum albumin and globulin levels can reflect the liver's synthetic function and indicate the extent of liver damage.

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A mother calls the nurse to report that at 0900 she administered an oral dose of digoxin to her 4-month-old infant, but at 0920 the baby vomited the medicine. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this mother?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is D

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Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

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