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 A
Explanation
A. Drink high-protein nutritional supplements between meals: Clients with COPD often experience anorexia due to fatigue, difficulty breathing while eating, and early satiety. High-protein, high-calorie supplements between meals help meet nutritional needs without overwhelming them during main meals, supporting energy levels and respiratory muscle strength.
B. Eat more hot foods than cold foods at mealtime: Hot foods can produce stronger odors that may worsen appetite loss. Cold foods tend to have milder smells and may be better tolerated by clients with anorexia, making cold foods preferable rather than focusing on hot foods.
C. Eat low-calorie foods first at mealtime: Clients with anorexia and COPD should prioritize high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods first to maximize intake before feeling full. Eating low-calorie foods first could reduce overall calorie intake, worsening weight loss and malnutrition risks.
D. Increase liquids during meals: Consuming large amounts of liquid during meals can cause early satiety, making it harder for clients to consume enough food. It is better to encourage drinking fluids between meals to optimize food intake during eating times.
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.
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