A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following factors predisposes this client to developing digoxin toxicity?
Taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor.
Having a 10-year history of COPD.
Taking a high-ceiling diuretic.
Having a prolapsed mitral valve.
The Correct Answer is C
Taking a high-ceiling diuretic predisposes this client to developing digoxin toxicity because it can cause hypokalemia (low blood potassium level), which increases the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin. Digoxin is a medicine that is used to treat heart failure or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) by increasing cardiac contractility and controlling the heart rate. Digoxin toxicity happens when there is too much digoxin in the body and it becomes harmful, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, vision disturbance, and irregular heartbeat.
Choice A is wrong because taking an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (also called a statin) does not increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Statins are lipid-lowering medications used to prevent coronary heart disease by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis.
Statins do not affect the blood potassium level or the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin.
Choice B is wrong because having a 10-year history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) does not increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. COPD is a lung condition that causes breathing difficulties and chronic inflammation.
COPD does not affect the blood potassium level or the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin.
Choice D is wrong because having a prolapsed mitral valve does not increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
A prolapsed mitral valve is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart does not close properly, allowing some blood to leak back into the atrium.
A prolapsed mitral valve does not affect the blood potassium level or the sensitivity of the heart to digoxin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The air bubble should not be expelled from the syringe before administering enoxaparin. The air bubble is included to ensure that the entire dose is administered and to help prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue, which can reduce bruising.
Choice B rationale:
After administering enoxaparin, applying firm pressure (but not massaging) to the injection site helps minimize bruising and bleeding. It's important not to massage the site as this can increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
The needle should be inserted fully into the subcutaneous tissue at a 90-degree angle (or at a 45-degree angle if the client has little subcutaneous tissue). Inserting the needle halfway may result in improper administration.
Choice D rationale:
Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin that should be administered subcutaneously, not intramuscularly. Administering it intramuscularly could increase the risk of bleeding and is not the appropriate route for this medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This will help reduce swelling and discomfort caused by the infiltration of fluid into the tissues. Elevating the extremity also promotes venous return and prevents further fluid accumulation.
Choice A is wrong because applying pressure to the IV site can increase the risk of tissue damage and infection.
Pressure can also obstruct blood flow and cause thrombophlebitis.
Choice C is wrong because slowing the infusion rate will not stop the infiltration of fluid into the tissues.
Slowing the infusion rate can also delay the delivery of medication or fluid to the client.
Choice D is wrong because flushing the IV catheter can worsen the infiltration of fluid into the tissues.
Flushing the IV catheter can also introduce air or bacteria into the bloodstream and cause complications.
Normal ranges for peripheral IV infusion are dependent on the type and volume of fluid, the size and location of the catheter, and the condition of the client. Generally, peripheral IV infusion rates should not exceed 100 mL/hr for adults and 60 mL/hr for children.
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