A nurse is providing teaching about digoxin administration to the parents of a toddler who has heart failure. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child's favorite juice."
"Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication."
"Limit your child's potassium intake while she is taking this medication."
"Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication."
The Correct Answer is D
Digoxin is a medicine used to treat various heart conditions, including heart failure and irregular heartbeat1. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully when giving digoxin to your child, as the dosage and timing may vary depending on your child’s age, weight, and medical condition.
Out of the four statements you provided, only one is correct. The correct statement is:
d. “Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication.”
This statement is correct because drinking water after taking digoxin can help prevent stomach upset and ensure proper absorption of the medicine.
The other three statements are incorrect and should not be followed. Here are the reasons why:
a. “You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child’s favorite juice.”
This statement is incorrect because adding digoxin to juice or other liquids can alter the concentration and effectiveness of the medicine4. You should give digoxin to your child by mouth with or without food, using a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you are using the liquid form of digoxin, you can give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek and let your child swallow it before giving more.
b. “Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication.”
This statement is incorrect because repeating the dose of digoxin can increase the risk of overdose and side effects4. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, which means that too much or too little of the medicine can be harmful. If your child vomits within 1 hour after taking digoxin, do not give another dose and continue with the normal dose amount at the next scheduled time4. If your child vomits frequently or has signs of overdose, such as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, vision changes, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.
c. “Limit your child’s potassium intake while she is taking this medication.”
This statement is incorrect because limiting your child’s potassium intake can actually worsen the effects of digoxin6. Digoxin works by affecting the levels of sodium and potassium in the heart cells, which helps regulate the heart rhythm and contractility. However, low potassium levels can make digoxin more toxic and increase the risk of arrhythmias6. Therefore, you should not restrict your child’s potassium intake unless instructed by your doctor6. You should also avoid giving your child foods or supplements that are high in fiber, as they can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Some examples of high-fiber foods are bran, psyllium, and some fruits and vegetables
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Participating in range-of-motion exercises helps prevent circulation problems and joint stiffness that can result from prolonged immobility after surgery.
B. Incorrect. While elevating the knees can help reduce strain on the lower back, this might not specifically promote circulation.
C. Incorrect. Prolonged bed rest can lead to decreased circulation and increased risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
D. Incorrect. While using an incentive spirometer is important for preventing respiratory complications, it might not specifically address circulation issues.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Administering a cathartic suppository can help stimulate bowel movement and facilitate a bowel-training program, particularly for individuals with altered bowel function due to spinal cord injury.
B. Incorrect. Adequate fluid intake is important, but limiting fluid intake is not typically recommended for clients with spinal cord injuries.
C. Incorrect. Refined grains are not specifically indicated for promoting bowel function. A balanced diet with sufficient fiber is more appropriate.
D. Incorrect. Providing a cold drink prior to defecation might not have a significant impact on bowel function and is not a commonly recommended intervention.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.