A nurse is collecting data from an infant who has heart failure and is taking digoxin. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of digoxin toxicity?
Edema
Jaundice
Purulent sputum
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Edema: Edema can occur with heart failure, but it is not specifically an indication of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin helps improve heart function and reduce edema, so it is not a direct sign of toxicity.
B. Jaundice: Jaundice may indicate liver dysfunction, but it is not a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Liver function issues can arise from various causes, but jaundice is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity.
C. Purulent sputum: Purulent sputum suggests an infection, such as pneumonia, and is not related to digoxin toxicity. This symptom requires further evaluation for respiratory infections, not digoxin-related issues.
D. Bradycardia: Bradycardia (a slow heart rate) is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can slow the heart rate by affecting the electrical conduction system of the heart, and bradycardia is a key indicator of overdose or toxicity in infants and children taking this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Maintain infant in supine position: Given the infant's respiratory distress, including labored breathing, retractions, and nasal flaring, placing the infant in a supine position could worsen respiratory difficulties. The infant should be kept upright or in a semi-Fowler’s position to promote optimal breathing.
- Prepare the infant for a chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is crucial to assess the infant’s respiratory status and potential cardiac issues to identify any underlying causes of the symptoms, such as pneumonia, wheezing, cough, and labored breathing.
- Maintain infant on continuous pulse oximetry: Continuous pulse oximetry is essential for monitoring the infant's oxygen saturation levels. The infant is already on supplemental oxygen, and continuous monitoring will ensure that the oxygen levels are maintained and help identify any worsening of the respiratory condition.
- Monitor intake and output: Given the infant's poor feeding (consuming only half a bottle in the past 24 hours), monitoring intake and output is crucial to assess hydration status and nutritional needs. Decreased intake and output can indicate dehydration or worsening of the infant's condition.
- Initiate a peripheral IV line: Due to the infant’s poor feeding and the possibility of dehydration, establishing a peripheral IV line will allow for proper hydration and the administration of fluids or medications, as necessary, for the infant’s condition.
- Offer small, frequent feedings: Offering small, frequent feedings is appropriate for an infant with respiratory distress and decreased appetite. This can reduce the risk of aspiration and help ensure the infant receives adequate nutrition despite the difficulty with feeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Absence of Babinski reflex: The Babinski reflex (a fanning of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked) is normal in infants and should be present until around 12 months of age. Its absence at 6 weeks would be atypical.
B. Absence of Moro reflex: The Moro reflex (a startle response) is typically present in newborns and may begin to disappear by 3-6 months of age. Its absence at 6 weeks would be concerning and could indicate neurological issues.
C. Closure of the posterior fontanel: The posterior fontanel typically closes by 6-8 weeks of age. This is a normal finding for a 6-week-old infant.
D. Closure of the anterior fontanel: The anterior fontanel typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age, not by 6 weeks. Therefore, closure of the anterior fontanel at 6 weeks would be unusual.
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