A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a female client who is receiving furosemide and digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize increases the client's risk for developing digoxin toxicity?
Potassium 3.1 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
WBC count 12,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³)
Fasting glucose 150 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)
Triglycerides 140 mg/dL (35 to 135 mg/dL)
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L): Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because low potassium levels enhance digoxin’s effects on the myocardium, potentially leading to arrhythmias and other toxic effects. Monitoring electrolytes is crucial for clients taking digoxin, especially when on diuretics like furosemide.
B. WBC count 12,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): An elevated WBC may indicate infection or inflammation but does not directly influence digoxin toxicity. This finding requires assessment but is not a risk factor for digoxin-related complications.
C. Fasting glucose 150 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): Elevated glucose reflects hyperglycemia but does not affect digoxin levels or toxicity risk. It should be managed separately according to the client’s metabolic needs.
D. Triglycerides 140 mg/dL (35 to 135 mg/dL): Mildly elevated triglycerides are a cardiovascular risk factor but do not directly increase the likelihood of digoxin toxicity. Lipid management is a separate consideration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Elevate the affected forearm with pillows: Elevation helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return, which is critical in the immediate management of a fracture to prevent complications such as increased edema or impaired circulation.
B. Administer Ibuprofen 200 mg PO: The child reports pain at a level of 5, meeting the prescription threshold. Administering analgesia promptly helps manage discomfort and supports cooperation with further interventions, such as casting.
C. Place a nonadherent dressing on the right knee abrasion: While wound care is important, the abrasion is minor and not the most urgent concern. Prioritization focuses on the fractured limb and pain management.
D. Review cast care instructions with the child's parents: Education is important but is not the immediate priority before the cast is applied. It can be provided after the child is stabilized and pain is managed.
E. Explain the cast application procedure to the child: While preparing the child psychologically is important, immediate interventions to reduce pain and swelling take precedence over anticipatory teaching.
F. Apply ice packs to the fingers and along the right forearm: Ice helps reduce swelling and pain in the acute phase of the fracture. Applying ice in combination with elevation supports circulation and comfort while awaiting casting.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is an abnormal finding suggesting possible fetal distress or hypoxia. It indicates reduced oxygen or nutrient delivery to the fetus, often associated with maternal complications such as hypertension or preeclampsia. Immediate evaluation with fetal monitoring or ultrasound is warranted.
B. Urine ketones: The absence of urine ketones is expected and does not indicate a prenatal complication. Ketones would only be concerning if elevated, as they could signal dehydration, starvation, or poorly controlled diabetes, which is not present in this case.
C. Urine protein: The presence of 3+ protein in the urine is a key indicator of preeclampsia. Proteinuria results from endothelial damage in the kidneys caused by hypertension, leading to leakage of protein into the urine and confirming a serious pregnancy complication.
D. Report of headache: A severe, persistent headache unrelieved by acetaminophen suggests cerebral vasospasm related to preeclampsia. It reflects increased blood pressure affecting cerebral circulation and can precede seizures or eclampsia if untreated.
E. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a prenatal complication. There is no evidence of respiratory distress or metabolic abnormality in this finding.
F. Blood pressure: A reading of 162/112 mm Hg meets the diagnostic criteria for severe hypertension in pregnancy and strongly indicates preeclampsia. Uncontrolled elevated blood pressure increases the risk of seizures, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.
G. Gravida/parity: Being G3 P2 with one preterm birth is useful background information but not, by itself, a sign of a current complication. It helps identify obstetric history and risk factors but does not reflect an immediate prenatal concern in this assessment.
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