A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure and is taking digoxin daily. The client refused breakfast and is complaining of nausea and weakness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Request a dietitian consult.
Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal.
Request an order for an antiemetic.
Check the client's vital signs.
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should check the client's vital signs first because nausea and weakness are signs of digoxin toxicity, which can also cause bradycardia, hypotension, and arrhythmias. The nurse should also assess the client's serum digoxin level, potassium level, and electrocardiogram.
Request a dietitian consult is wrong because it is not the priority action and it does not address the possible cause of the client's symptoms. A dietitian consult may be helpful to provide nutritional education and guidance, but only after ruling out or treating digoxin toxicity.
Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may delay the diagnosis and treatment of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should not assume that the client's symptoms are due to fatigue or lack of appetite, but rather investigate for any underlying problems.
Request an order for an antiemetic is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may mask the symptoms of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should not administer any medications that could interact with digoxin or worsen its effects, but rather notify the provider and follow the protocol for digoxin toxicity management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["8"]
Explanation
To calculate the volume to administer, the nurse should use the following formula:
Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL) x 1000
Plugging in the given values, the nurse should get:
Volume (mL) = 400 mg / 250 mg/5 mL x 1000
Volume (mL) = 8 mL
The nurse should round the answer to the nearest whole number and use a leading zero if it applies. Therefore, the nurse should administer 8 mL of valproic acid per dose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood flow and comfort.
Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased fluid loss, which can worsen the condition.
Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is not relevant, as it does not affect the temperature or circulation of the feet.
Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inflammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.
Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood flow and comfort.
Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased fluid loss, which can worsen the condition.
Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is not relevant, as it does not affect the temperature or circulation of the feet.
Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inflammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.
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