Based on a client’s serum digoxin level, the client is diagnosed with digoxin toxicity. Which action should the nurse expect to implement?
Administer potassium to stabilize the heart rate.
Begin cardioversion to stabilize heart rhythm.
Check acid-base and electrolyte values.
Give digoxin by another route to slow absorption.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Administering potassium is not the primary action for treating digoxin toxicity. While hypokalemia can exacerbate digoxin toxicity, the initial step is to assess and stabilize the patient’s overall condition, including acid-base and electrolyte balance. Potassium administration may be considered if hypokalemia is present, but it is not the first-line treatment.
Choice B reason: Cardioversion is not typically used to treat digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity can cause various arrhythmias, but the treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient and addressing the toxicity itself2. Cardioversion may be considered in life-threatening arrhythmias, but it is not the primary intervention.
Choice C reason: Checking acid-base and electrolyte values is crucial in managing digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. Assessing and correcting these imbalances is essential for stabilizing the patient and preventing further complications.
Choice D reason: Giving digoxin by another route to slow absorption is not an appropriate action. The primary treatment for digoxin toxicity involves stopping the medication and administering digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Fab) if necessary. These antibodies bind to digoxin, neutralizing its effects and allowing for its excretion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing the client’s strength in moving and turning in bed is important for overall care, but it is not the primary assessment needed before administering a laxative. This assessment helps in understanding the client’s mobility and risk of pressure ulcers but does not directly relate to the effectiveness or necessity of a laxative.
Choice B reason: Determining the frequency and consistency of bowel movements is crucial before administering a laxative. This assessment provides information on the client’s current bowel function and helps in deciding the appropriate type and dosage of laxative. It ensures that the laxative is necessary and helps prevent complications such as diarrhea or bowel obstruction.
Choice C reason: Observing the skin integrity of the client’s rectal and sacral areas is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin health, especially in bedfast clients. However, this assessment is not directly related to the administration of a laxative. It is more relevant to overall skin care and prevention of pressure sores.
Choice D reason: Evaluating the client’s ability to recognize the urge to defecate is important for understanding their bowel habits and potential issues with incontinence. However, it is not the primary assessment needed before administering a laxative. This assessment is more relevant to managing bowel training and incontinence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Phenazopyridine does not eliminate urinary bacteria. It is not an antibiotic and does not have antibacterial properties. Instead, it is used to relieve symptoms such as pain, burning, and discomfort caused by irritation of the urinary tract. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason:
Using phenazopyridine after voiding or after sexual intercourse is not a standard recommendation. This medication is typically taken after meals to reduce stomach upset. It is not specifically indicated for use after sexual intercourse, and this choice does not align with the typical usage instructions for phenazopyridine.
Choice C reason:
Phenazopyridine does not calm spasms in the urinary tract. Its primary function is to provide symptomatic relief from pain, burning, and discomfort in the urinary tract. It does not have antispasmodic properties, so this choice is also incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Phenazopyridine provides an analgesic effect for irritated bladder mucosa. It works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract, which helps to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with conditions like cystitis. This is the correct therapeutic effect of the medication.
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