A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who takes furosemide and has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to include in his daily diet?

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.

The correct answer is Choice A: Dull, aching calf pain.

Choice A rationale:

Dull, aching calf pain is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur postoperatively, especially after vascular surgery. This pain is often due to a blood clot forming in the deep veins of the leg.

Choice B rationale:

Positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis and not typically related to thrombus formation.

Choice C rationale:

Soft, pliable calf muscle is not indicative of a thrombus. A thrombus would more likely cause tenderness and swelling.

Choice D rationale:

Positive Homan's sign (pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot) can be an indicator of DVT, but it is less reliable than dull, aching calf pain.