A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation who is on a daily regimen of digoxin. What action should the nurse take before administering this medication?
Measure the patient’s apical pulse.
Offer the patient a light snack.
Check the patient’s blood pressure.
Weigh the patient.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to measure the patient’s apical pulse. Digoxin affects the heart rate, and a low pulse could indicate that the dose needs to be adjusted.
Choice B rationale
Offering a light snack is not specifically required before administering digoxin.
Choice C rationale
While it’s always important to monitor a patient’s blood pressure, it’s not specifically required before administering digoxin.
Choice D rationale
Weighing the patient is not specifically required before administering digoxin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The priority action for a nurse when caring for a patient exhibiting symptoms of a myocardial infarction is to initiate oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is crucial because it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can help reduce the heart’s workload and relieve pain. This intervention is aimed at reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving oxygen supply to the ischemic myocardium.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a blood sample is important as it can help diagnose a myocardial infarction. Blood tests can measure levels of certain proteins, such as troponins, in the bloodstream that can indicate heart muscle damage. However, this is not the immediate priority when compared to initiating oxygen therapy.
Choice C rationale
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is an important step in the assessment of a patient with suspected myocardial infarction. An ECG can show whether the heart muscle has been damaged and where the damage has occurred. However, this should be done after initiating oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale
Inserting an IV catheter is a necessary step in the management of a myocardial infarction. It allows for the administration of medications and fluids as needed. However, it is not the first priority. The first priority is to stabilize the patient, which includes initiating oxygen therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A patient’s address is indeed an example of personally identifiable information. This statement is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice B rationale
HIPAA is indeed a federal law, not a state law. This statement is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice C rationale
HIPAA did establish regulations of individually identifiable health information in verbal, electronic, or written form. This statement is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice D rationale
Information about a client cannot be disclosed to family members at any time without the client’s consent. This statement indicates a need for further teaching.
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