Before administering digoxin, it is Important for the nurse to do which of the following?
Check the weight of the patient
Check the skin for bruising
Check the apical pulse
Check the temperate of the patient
The Correct Answer is C
A) Check the weight of the patient:
While weight monitoring is important in managing heart failure and tracking fluid retention, it is not the most critical action before administering digoxin. Digoxin primarily affects heart rate and rhythm, so the priority assessment is related to the cardiovascular system.
B) Check the skin for bruising:
Checking for bruising is not a necessary step before administering digoxin. Bruising could be an indication of an underlying bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy, but it is not directly related to the administration of digoxin. The primary concern with digoxin is its effect on the heart, particularly heart rate and rhythm.
C) Check the apical pulse:
It is crucial to check the apical pulse before administering digoxin, as one of the major effects of the drug is to slow the heart rate (negative chronotropy). If the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute (bpm), the nurse should hold the medication and consult the healthcare provider, as digoxin can further decrease the heart rate and lead to bradycardia or other complications.
D) Check the temperature of the patient:
Although monitoring vital signs, including temperature, is important in overall patient care, temperature does not specifically impact the administration of digoxin. A normal or abnormal temperature would not typically influence the decision to give digoxin unless the patient had a fever due to an underlying infection that could complicate the clinical picture. The priority is assessing the pulse to ensure safe administration of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Constipation:
ACE inhibitors primarily affect the cardiovascular system by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor. Common side effects of ACE inhibitors include cough, dizziness, or elevated potassium levels, but constipation is not typically associated with these medications.
B) Headache:
While headaches can occasionally occur due to changes in blood pressure or other factors related to ACE inhibitors, it is not considered a hallmark side effect. More commonly, ACE inhibitors are associated with dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly, due to their blood pressure-lowering effects.
C) Nonproductive cough:
A nonproductive cough is the most common and well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors. This occurs in some patients because of the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that is normally broken down by the enzyme ACE. The buildup of bradykinin can lead to irritation in the airways, resulting in a dry, persistent cough. This side effect can be bothersome for patients and is one of the key reasons why ACE inhibitors might be switched to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) if the cough becomes intolerable.
D) Chest pain:
While ACE inhibitors work to lower blood pressure and improve heart function, they do not commonly cause chest pain. If a patient experiences chest pain while taking an ACE inhibitor, it is more likely related to other underlying conditions (e.g., heart disease or angina) rather than the medication itself.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Given:
Volume of fluid: 500 mL
Infusion time: 6 hours
Drop factor: 15 gtt/mL
Formula for mL/hr:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = Volume (mL) / Time (hr)
Step 1: Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 500 mL / 6 hr
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 83.33 mL/hr
Formula for gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) / Time (hr)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL) / 60 min/hr
Step 2: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (500 mL / 6 hr) x 15 gtt/mL / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 83.33 mL/hr x 15 gtt/mL / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 1250 gtt/hr / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 20.83 gtt/min
Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number:
Flow rate (mL/hr) ≈ 83 mL/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) ≈ 21 gtt/min
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.