A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client who is experiencing heart failure. Which of the following actions should the take prior to administering this medication?
Auscultate the client's lung sounds
Check the client's weight.
Check the client's apical pulse.
Obtain the client's oxygen saturation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Auscultate the client's lung sounds: While lung sounds are important to assess in clients with heart failure, auscultating lung sounds is not directly required before administering digoxin. The immediate concern with digoxin is its effect on heart rate and rhythm.
B. Check the client's weight: Monitoring weight is important in heart failure management to assess fluid retention, but weight measurement is not necessary immediately prior to administering a dose of digoxin.
C. Check the client's apical pulse: Before giving digoxin, it is critical to assess the client's apical pulse for one full minute. If the pulse is below a specified rate (60 beats/min for adults), the dose may need to be withheld and the provider notified due to the risk of digoxin-induced bradycardia.
D. Obtain the client's oxygen saturation: Oxygen saturation is important in evaluating respiratory function, but it is not a priority action before administering digoxin. The primary safety check is heart rate assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Erythema: Erythema, or redness, is more commonly associated with phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein, rather than infiltration. While some redness may occur, it is not the primary or expected finding when infiltration is present.
B. Blood: The presence of blood at the insertion site may indicate a bleeding or hematoma issue but is not a typical sign of infiltration. Infiltration involves fluid, usually IV solution, leaking into surrounding tissue, not blood leaking out of the vein.
C. Edema: Edema at the insertion site is a hallmark sign of infiltration. When IV fluid escapes into the surrounding tissue instead of remaining in the vein, it causes localized swelling, coolness, and often discomfort or tightness around the insertion area.
D. Pruritus: Pruritus, or itching, is not a typical manifestation of infiltration. It may be seen with allergic reactions to IV medications or materials, but infiltration primarily presents with swelling, coolness, and sometimes blanching of the skin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your baby needs to suck on a pacifier.": While non-nutritive sucking on a pacifier can sometimes soothe a fussy baby, it is not the first recommendation, especially for a newborn who is establishing breastfeeding. Early introduction of pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding due to nipple confusion.
B. "Breastfed babies are usually fussy from swallowing too much air during feedings.": Although some air swallowing can occur, especially if the latch is poor, this is not typically the primary reason for persistent crying. Addressing crying with soothing techniques like swaddling is a more immediate and supportive intervention for the parent.
C. "Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket might help soothe her.": Swaddling provides warmth, security, and a sense of being back in the womb, which can calm a newborn effectively. It reduces the startle reflex and helps regulate the baby's nervous system, often resulting in decreased crying and improved comfort.
D. "Breastfed babies often need to be supplemented with formula.": Routine supplementation with formula is not recommended for healthy breastfed newborns unless there are clear medical indications. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding supports optimal nutrition, bonding, and gut health in the early postpartum period.
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