A nurse is caring for a postpartum client in an outpatient setting.

Exhibits

A nurse is caring for a postpartum client in an outpatient setting.

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The client is at highest risk for developing

evidenced by the client's

Choice B rationale:

Flumazenil is a selective antagonist for the benzodiazepine receptor and is used as an antidote for benzodiazepine toxicity. It competitively inhibits the effects of benzodiazepines by binding to the same receptor sites in the central nervous system. Flumazenil can rapidly reverse the sedative and respiratory-depressant effects of benzodiazepine overdose, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.

Choice A rationale:

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that is used to treat bradycardia and certain types of heart block. It has no specific antidote effects for benzodiazepine toxicity and would not be the appropriate choice in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Activated charcoal is used in the management of certain types of poisonings by adsorbing the toxic substance in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. However, it is not effective for benzodiazepine toxicity, which primarily affects the central nervous system and not the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice D rationale:

Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. It has no specific effects on benzodiazepine toxicity and would not be the appropriate choice in this case.

Digoxin is a medicine used to treat various heart conditions, including heart failure and irregular heartbeat1. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully when giving digoxin to your child, as the dosage and timing may vary depending on your child’s age, weight, and medical condition.

Out of the four statements you provided, only one is correct. The correct statement is:

d. “Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication.”

This statement is correct because drinking water after taking digoxin can help prevent stomach upset and ensure proper absorption of the medicine.

The other three statements are incorrect and should not be followed. Here are the reasons why:

a. “You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child’s favorite juice.”

This statement is incorrect because adding digoxin to juice or other liquids can alter the concentration and effectiveness of the medicine4. You should give digoxin to your child by mouth with or without food, using a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you are using the liquid form of digoxin, you can give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek and let your child swallow it before giving more.

b. “Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication.”

This statement is incorrect because repeating the dose of digoxin can increase the risk of overdose and side effects4. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, which means that too much or too little of the medicine can be harmful. If your child vomits within 1 hour after taking digoxin, do not give another dose and continue with the normal dose amount at the next scheduled time4. If your child vomits frequently or has signs of overdose, such as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, vision changes, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.

c. “Limit your child’s potassium intake while she is taking this medication.”

This statement is incorrect because limiting your child’s potassium intake can actually worsen the effects of digoxin6. Digoxin works by affecting the levels of sodium and potassium in the heart cells, which helps regulate the heart rhythm and contractility. However, low potassium levels can make digoxin more toxic and increase the risk of arrhythmias6. Therefore, you should not restrict your child’s potassium intake unless instructed by your doctor6. You should also avoid giving your child foods or supplements that are high in fiber, as they can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Some examples of high-fiber foods are bran, psyllium, and some fruits and vegetables