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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Croup is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airway, resulting in a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor. The PN should monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry, as it can indicate the severity of the airway obstruction and the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Instructing the mother to play with the child for stimulation and distraction may worsen the child's condition, as it can increase his respiratory demand and anxiety.
B. Administering a dose of acetaminophen as needed may help reduce fever or pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of croup or improve airway patency.
D. Encouraging the child to drink adequate amounts of fluids may help prevent dehydration and thin the secretions, but it does not relieve the inflammation or narrowing of the airway.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: "It's OK if you don't want to look or talk about the mastectomy. I will be available when you're ready.”.
Choice A rationale:
This response shows empathy and understanding, acknowledging the client's feelings and respecting her decision not to look at or discuss the incision. It allows the client to take control of her own emotions and healing process, while also reassuring her that the nurse will be available whenever she feels ready to talk or see the incision.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that she will feel better when she sees the incision minimizes her feelings and may be seen as dismissive. It does not address her emotions or concerns and can be counterproductive to building trust and rapport.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting to call another nurse to be present while showing the wound might make the client feel uncomfortable or pressured. It is essential to establish a therapeutic nurse-client relationship, and forcing the issue could increase the client's distress.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that part of recovery is accepting her new body image and needing to look at her incision is insensitive and inappropriate. It is not the nurse's role to dictate how the client should feel about her body or her healing process. Such a response could potentially harm the nurse-client relationship and hinder the client's emotional healing.
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