Prior to giving digoxin, the practical nurse (PN) assesses that a 2-month-old infant's heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Based on this finding, which action should the PN take?
Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in l hour.
Administer the medication and document the heart rate.
Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse.
Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment.
The Correct Answer is B
Digoxin is a medication used to treat various heart conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. It works by improving the strength and efficiency of the heart, or by controlling the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat.
One of the important things to monitor when giving digoxin to an infant is the pulse rate. Digoxin can lower the heart rate, which can be dangerous if it becomes too slow. Therefore, the pulse rate should be checked for one full minute before administering digoxin, and the medication should be held if the pulse rate is below 90 beats per minute (bpm) for an infant.
In this case, the infant’s heart rate is 120 bpm, which is within the normal range for a 2-month-old. Therefore, the correct action for the PN to take is to administer the medication and document the heart rate. This is option b in the list of choices. Option a is incorrect because there is no need to hold the medication or recheck the heart rate in one hour. Option c is incorrect because there is no need to alert the charge nurse unless there is a problem with the infant’s condition or the medication. Option d is incorrect because holding the medication and documenting cardiac assessment is not appropriate for a normal heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the highest priority task and should be completed first because it ensures the safety and quality of care for the clients. The PN should check that all new prescriptions have been administered, documented, and reported as ordered and that there are no errors or omissions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Observe the UAP's technique and communication skills during the bath.
The PN should directly observe the UAP's performance and provide feedback and guidance as needed. This can help ensure that the UAP follows the standards of care and respects the client's dignity and preferences.
The other options are not correct because:
- Asking another UAP to help the orientee may not be appropriate or necessary, as it may interfere with the orientation process and create confusion or conflict.
- Verifying with the client that the bath was complete and thorough may not be sufficient or reliable, as the client may not be able to assess the quality of care or may not want to complain.
- Inspecting the client's skin near the end of the bathing procedure may not be timely or comprehensive, as it may miss some aspects of care or some problems that occurred during the bath.
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.