A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin 1.5 mg PO to a client. The amount available is digoxin 0.5 mg tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A Reason:

“Do not take the medication before bedtime” is incorrect because the timing of medication administration depends on the specific medication and its intended effects. Some medications are specifically prescribed to be taken at bedtime to help with sleep or to reduce side effects that might occur during the day.

Choice B Reason:

“Take the medication with a full glass of water” is correct because many medications require adequate hydration to ensure proper absorption and to prevent irritation of the esophagus and stomach. Taking medication with a full glass of water helps to ensure that the medication reaches the stomach quickly and reduces the risk of esophageal irritation or damage.

Choice C Reason:

“This medication must be taken on an empty stomach” is incorrect unless the specific medication requires it. Some medications are better absorbed on an empty stomach, but this is not a universal rule and depends on the medication’s formulation and intended use.

Choice D Reason:

“Expect abdominal pain with this medication” is incorrect because not all medications cause abdominal pain. If a medication is known to cause abdominal pain, the nurse should provide additional instructions on how to manage this side effect or discuss alternative medications with the healthcare provider.

Choice A reason: Pee privacy

Ensuring privacy for a patient, especially one who is pregnant, is crucial. Privacy helps maintain the patient’s dignity and comfort during medical procedures. It also fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. In this context, “Pee privacy” likely refers to ensuring the patient has privacy when providing a urine sample, which is a common procedure during pregnancy check-ups to monitor for conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Choice B reason: Otoscope

An otoscope is a medical device used to look into the ears. While it is an essential tool in many medical examinations, it is not specifically related to the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about ear health. Therefore, this choice is less relevant in the context of routine pregnancy care.

Choice C reason: Tannic acid

Tannic acid is a substance that can be used for various medical purposes, including treating burns and stopping bleeding. However, it is not typically associated with routine pregnancy care. Its inclusion in this list seems out of place unless there is a specific, unusual medical condition being addressed.

Choice D reason: Pupil dilation

Pupil dilation is a procedure often performed during eye examinations to allow a better view of the retina and other structures inside the eye. While important in ophthalmology, it is not a standard procedure in the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about the patient’s vision or eye health.