A nurse is caring for a client who has atrial fibrillation and receives digoxin daily. Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Weigh the client.

Measure the client's blood pressure.

Measure the client's apical pulse.

Offer the client a light snack.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Weighing the client is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the dosage or effectiveness of the medication. Weighing the client may be important for monitoring fluid balance and edema, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice B reason: Measuring the client's blood pressure is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the dosage or effectiveness of the medication. Digoxin is not a blood pressure-lowering medication, but a cardiac glycoside that increases the contractility and efficiency of the heart. Measuring the blood pressure may be important for monitoring hypertension, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice C reason: Measuring the client's apical pulse is a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it can help determine the safety and appropriateness of the medication. Digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect, which can be dangerous and symptomatic. The nurse should check the apical pulse for one full minute and withhold the medication if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute or above 100 beats per minute. The nurse should also report any abnormal or irregular rhythms to the provider.

Choice D reason: Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of the medication. Digoxin can be taken with or without food. Offering the client a light snack may be important for maintaining nutrition and hydration, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Vomiting is not a specific sign of a hemolytic reaction, as it can be caused by many other factors, such as anesthesia, infection, or medication. Vomiting may occur in other types of transfusion reactions, such as allergic or febrile reactions, but it is not indicative of hemolysis.

Choice B reason: Flushing is not a specific sign of a hemolytic reaction, as it can be caused by many other factors, such as fever, infection, or medication. Flushing may occur in other types of transfusion reactions, such as allergic or febrile reactions, but it is not indicative of hemolysis.

Choice C reason: Dyspnea is a specific sign of a hemolytic reaction, as it indicates that the client is experiencing respiratory distress due to the release of hemoglobin and its breakdown products into the bloodstream. Dyspnea may be accompanied by chest pain, cough, wheezes, or crackles. Dyspnea is a life-threatening symptom that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a specific sign of a hemolytic reaction, as it can be caused by many other factors, such as blood loss, dehydration, or medication. Hypotension may occur in other types of transfusion reactions, such as septic or anaphylactic reactions, but it is not indicative of hemolysis.

A. Black cohosh B. Echinacea C. Feverfew D. Flaxseed

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Black cohosh is an herbal supplement that is used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings. It does not have a significant interaction with warfarin and does not affect the coagulation status of the client.

Choice B reason: Echinacea is an herbal supplement that is used to boost the immune system and prevent or treat common colds and infections. It does not have a significant interaction with warfarin and does not affect the coagulation status of the client.

Choice C reason: Feverfew is an herbal supplement that is used to treat migraines, arthritis, and fever. It has a significant interaction with warfarin and can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It can also reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and alter the client's international normalized ratio (INR).

Choice D reason: Flaxseed is an herbal supplement that is used to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. It does not have a significant interaction with warfarin and does not affect the coagulation status of the client.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has atrial fibrillation and receives digoxin daily. Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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