A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old male toddler in a pediatric clinic during a well-child checkup.

Exhibits

After reviewing the toddler’s current medical record, which of the following interventions should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?

Choice A rationale

Digoxin slows the heart rate by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump, which increases intracellular calcium and enhances myocardial contractility. Tachycardia is an increase in heart rate, which is the opposite of the expected effect of digoxin. Bradycardia is a more common sign of digoxin toxicity.

Choice B rationale

Insomnia is not a recognized or common side effect of digoxin toxicity. The central nervous system effects of digoxin toxicity typically include confusion, fatigue, and lethargy. Digoxin does not directly interfere with the sleep-wake cycle in a way that would cause insomnia.

Choice C rationale

Hearing loss is not a known symptom of digoxin toxicity. The drug's primary effects are on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, and to a lesser extent, the central nervous system. Auditory disturbances are not a typical finding associated with the toxic effects of digoxin.

Choice D rationale

Digoxin toxicity often affects the central nervous system and sensory organs. The drug can cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, photophobia, and a characteristic yellow-green halo around objects (xanthopsia), which is an early sign of toxicity. This effect is a result of digoxin's impact on neural pathways

Choice A rationale

Verifying the clarity and color of the eye drops is a critical safety step to ensure the medication has not been compromised. Eye drops should be clear and colorless unless specified otherwise. Any discoloration or particulate matter indicates that the solution may be contaminated or expired and should not be administered, preventing potential harm or infection to the client.

Choice B rationale

Pulling the lower lid down creates a small pocket, or conjunctival sac, which is the proper site for medication administration. This technique prevents the eye drops from immediately flowing out of the eye, allowing for maximum absorption of the medication. It also protects the cornea from direct injury by the applicator, which can be sensitive and easily scratched.

Choice C rationale

Applying gentle pressure to the punctum, the small opening in the corner of the eye, for 30 to 60 seconds after instillation prevents systemic absorption of the medication. This is particularly important for drugs like timolol, a beta-blocker, as systemic absorption can lead to adverse effects on the heart and lungs, such as bradycardia and bronchospasm.

Choice D rationale

Tilting the client's head backward facilitates proper administration by allowing gravity to assist in directing the eye drop into the conjunctival sac. This position also helps to prevent the drop from immediately rolling out of the eye or onto the client's cheek, ensuring the medication is retained in the correct location for therapeutic effect.

Choice E rationale

Administering the prescribed number of drops directly into the conjunctival sac ensures the client receives the correct dosage. The nurse should avoid touching the tip of the dropper to the client's eye or eyelashes to prevent cross-contamination of the bottle. This step is essential for both the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the medication administration. *.