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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. The client uses garlic to lower cholesterol levels.
Choice A: The client follows a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol
Following a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol does not have a significant impact on the effects of warfarin. While diet can influence overall health and cholesterol levels, it does not directly interact with warfarin’s anticoagulant properties.
Choice B: The client drinks a glass of grapefruit juice every day
Grapefruit juice is known to interact with various medications by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. However, grapefruit juice does not significantly affect warfarin metabolism. It is more commonly associated with interactions with statins and other medications.
Choice C: The client sprinkles flax seeds on food 1 hr before taking the anticoagulant
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which can be beneficial for heart health. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest that flax seeds significantly potentiate the effects of warfarin. They do not have a direct interaction with the anticoagulant properties of warfarin.
Choice D: The client uses garlic to lower cholesterol levels
Garlic is known to have antiplatelet properties, which can enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. This can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking warfarin. Garlic can interfere with the blood clotting process, making it a significant factor to consider when managing a client on warfarin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Atropine is not the correct answer, as it is an anticholinergic medication that is used to treat bradycardia, not warfarin overdose. Atropine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice B reason: Epinephrine is not the correct answer, as it is a catecholamine medication that is used to treat anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe hypotension, not warfarin overdose. Epinephrine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice C reason: Vitamin K is the correct answer, as it is the antidote for warfarin overdose. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Vitamin K can reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR to a therapeutic range.
Choice D reason: Protamine is not the correct answer, as it is the antidote for heparin overdose, not warfarin overdose. Protamine is a protein that binds to and neutralizes heparin, but has no effect on warfarin or the INR.
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