A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin subcutaneously to a client using a prefilled syringe. The nurse should plan to use which of the following techniques when administering this medication?

Choice A rationale:

Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta agonist, which is commonly used for quick relief in an acute asthma attack.

Choice B rationale:

Cromolyn is used as a preventive treatment for asthma, not for treating an acute attack.

Choice C rationale:

Budesonide is a corticosteroid used for long-term control and prevention of symptoms, not for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack.

Choice D rationale:

Ipratropium is used as a bronchodilator for asthma, but it’s typically not the first choice for treating an acute asthma attack.

Choice A rationale:

An apical pulse of 54/min is below the normal range for adults. Digoxin, a cardiac medication, can lower the heart rate. Therefore, it’s crucial to hold the medication if the resting pulse for an adult is less than 60 bpm. This is to prevent further lowering of the heart rate which could lead to bradycardia, a potentially dangerous condition.

Choice B rationale:

A respiratory rate of 14/min is within the normal adult range of 12-20 breaths per minute. This would not be a reason to withhold digoxin.

Choice C rationale:

A blood pressure (BP) of 179/89 mm Hg indicates hypertension, which is not a direct contraindication for digoxin. However, it’s important to monitor BP levels in clients taking digoxin as the medication can affect blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

A temperature of 37.8° C (100° F) is slightly elevated but would not be a reason to withhold digoxin unless it’s indicative of an underlying infection that needs to be addressed first.