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 C
Explanation
A. Asthma typically presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While dyspnea is a symptom, tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses are not characteristic findings associated with asthma.
B. Aortic valve regurgitation may cause dyspnea and fatigue, but it is more commonly associated with bounding pulses and diastolic murmur rather than weak peripheral pulses.
C. Heart failure is characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, tachycardia, and weak peripheral pulses due to reduced cardiac output and poor perfusion to the extremities. The nurse should recognize these signs as indicative of heart failure.
D. Aortic stenosis can lead to symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue; however, it typically presents with a triad of symptoms including exertional dyspnea, angina, and syncope, rather than weak peripheral pulses.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Place a pillow under the client's head.
The nurse should place a pillow under the client's head to protect it from injury during the seizure. The nurse should also loosen any tight clothing, remove any objects that could harm the client, and maintain a patent airway.
- Gently restrain the client's extremities is wrong because it can cause injury to the client or the nurse. The nurse should not restrain or interfere with the client's movements during the seizure, but rather ensure a safe environment and observe the seizure activity.
- Apply a face mask for oxygen administration is wrong because it can be dislodged by the client's movements and pose a choking hazard. The nurse should not atempt to insert anything into the client's mouth or nose during the seizure, but rather provide oxygen by nasal cannula after the seizure if needed.
Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth is wrong because it can damage the client's teeth, gums, or tongue, or cause aspiration or airway obstruction. The nurse should not atempt to insert anything into the client's mouth or nose during the seizure, but rather turn the client to a side-lying position after the
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