A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure.
Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Check the client's blood pressure.

Measure the client's apical pulse.

Offer the client a light snack.

Weigh the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Checking the client's blood pressure is not the priority action when administering digoxin. Although monitoring blood pressure is essential in the overall care of a client with heart failure, the most critical parameter to assess before administering digoxin is the client's apical pulse.

Choice B rationale:

Measuring the client's apical pulse is the correct action to take before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed for heart failure, and it has a narrow therapeutic range. It primarily works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, and an excessively low heart rate (bradycardia) is a potential side effect of digoxin. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the client's apical pulse to ensure it is within the recommended range (usually above 60 beats per minute) before administering the medication. If the pulse rate is below the recommended range, the nurse should withhold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.

Choice C rationale:

Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin. While it is important to consider the client's dietary needs, it is not directly related to the administration of digoxin. However, if the client has nausea or vomiting, which can be a side effect of digoxin, a light snack might be offered after the medication.

Choice D rationale:

Weighing the client is not the immediate action to take before administering digoxin. Although daily weights can be important for assessing fluid balance in clients with heart failure, it is not the priority before administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's apical pulse is the most critical step in this context.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Albuterol primarily acts as a bronchodilator by opening up the airways. It does not have a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Inhaled corticosteroids are more commonly used to reduce airway inflammation in asthma.

Choice B rationale:

Albuterol, a beta-2 agonist, helps with breathing by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, which opens them up. This action allows for improved airflow and ease of breathing. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C rationale:

Albuterol is used to relieve bronchospasm, which can prevent wheezing in individuals with asthma. It does not have a direct effect on reducing mucus production or coughing.

Choice D rationale:

Albuterol does not increase the amount of mucus production. In fact, it can help reduce coughing by relieving bronchospasm, but it does not directly suppress coughing episodes.

Choice E rationale:

Albuterol can help reduce coughing episodes by improving airflow and reducing the irritation that leads to coughing.

A. Hypoglycemia. B. Cardiac dysrhythmias. C. Increased appetite. D. Hyperreflexia.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypoglycemia Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not typically associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypokalemia primarily affects the function of muscles and nerves, and it does not directly influence blood glucose levels.

Choice B rationale:

Cardiac dysrhythmias Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical activity of the heart, and low potassium levels can disrupt normal cardiac rhythms, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Cardiac dysrhythmias are a well-recognized complication of severe hypokalemia, making this choice the correct one.

Choice C rationale:

Increased appetite Hypokalemia is not associated with an increased appetite. In fact, it can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which may decrease appetite. The primary manifestations of hypokalemia are related to muscle weakness and cardiac abnormalities.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperreflexia Hyperreflexia (excessive reflex responses) is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more commonly associated with muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac disturbances. Hyperreflexia is often seen in conditions of excessive calcium levels (hypercalcemia) or neurological disorders, not hypokalemia.

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A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure.Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has asthma. The client asks the nurse how albuterol helps his breathing. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the response? (Select all that apply.).

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure.
Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?