A nurse is reviewing the prescriptions for a client who is pregnant and is taking digoxin.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to best evaluate the client’s medication adherence?
Assess the client’s kidney function.
Check the client’s serum medication level.
Determine the client’s apical pulse rate.
Ask the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While assessing the client’s kidney function is important in general, it is not the best way to evaluate medication adherence. Kidney function can affect the metabolism and excretion of medications, but it does not directly indicate whether the client is taking their medication as prescribed.
Choice B rationale
Correct answer. Checking the client’s serum medication level is the most direct and reliable way to evaluate medication adherence. If the client is taking the medication as prescribed, the serum medication level should be within the therapeutic range.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s apical pulse rate can provide information about the client’s overall cardiovascular status and can indicate certain drug effects or side effects, but it does not directly measure medication adherence.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed can provide useful information, but it relies on self-report, which may not be reliable. Some clients might forget doses or not take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The newborn’s symptoms, such as being jittery with a weak cry when disturbed, mottled extremities with acrocyanosis, and rapid, unlabored respirations, are signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome. This condition can occur in newborns exposed to certain drugs while in the mother’s womb. The first step in managing this condition is to monitor the newborn’s vital
signs. This will help the healthcare team assess the newborn’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Monitoring vital signs is a crucial part of nursing care, especially for newborns who are showing signs of distress. It provides valuable information about the newborn’s physiological status and response to the environment. Regular monitoring can help detect any changes in the newborn’s condition early, allowing for timely intervention.
Choice B rationale
Swaddling the newborn more tightly is not the best action to take in this situation. While swaddling can provide comfort and help soothe a fussy baby, it is not a treatment for the symptoms the newborn is exhibiting. Furthermore, swaddling should be done correctly to avoid any potential risks such as overheating or hip dysplasia. In this case, the newborn’s symptoms need to be addressed directly, which is why monitoring vital signs is a more appropriate action.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen to the newborn is not the most appropriate action based on the symptoms described. While the newborn’s respirations are rapid, they are also unlabored, which suggests that the newborn is not currently experiencing respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy is typically reserved for situations where the newborn is showing signs of respiratory distress, such as grunting, flaring nostrils, or cyanosis around the mouth and tongue. In this case, the acrocyanosis (bluish color of hands and feet) is a common and normal finding in newborns due to immature circulation and is not an indication for oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is an important step when caring for a newborn showing signs of distress. However, in this situation, the first action the nurse should take is to monitor
the newborn’s vital signs. This will provide valuable information about the newborn’s current condition that can be reported to the healthcare provider. It’s important for the nurse to gather as much information as possible before contacting the healthcare provider so that they can have a productive discussion about the newborn’s condition and the next steps in their care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a sleep sack can keep a baby warm, it should not be used in a car seat because it can interfere with the harness and affect its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
A car seat challenge test is usually performed on premature babies or those with medical conditions. It is not routinely required for a newborn delivered at 38 weeks of gestation.
Choice C rationale
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer, which is typically around 2 years of age.
Choice D rationale
The car seat should indeed be positioned at a 45-degree angle. This position helps to keep the baby’s airway open and protects them in the event of a crash.
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