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, what action should the PN take?
Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse
Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment
Administer the medication and document the heart rate
Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer and explanation is:
c) Administer the medication and document the heart rate.
This is the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. It has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause serious side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and toxicity. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client's vital signs before and after administering the medication. A normal heart rate for a 2-month-old infant is 100–190 beats/minute, so 120 beats/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate a need to hold the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
a) Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse.
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Alerting the charge nurse is not necessary, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a problem with the medication or the client's condition. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
b) Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment.
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Holding the medication is not appropriate, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a contraindication or a risk of adverse effects from the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
d) Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour.
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour is not necessary, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks may be a beneficial dietary change, but it does not address the client's immediate issue of severe pain and inability to bear weight on the right ankle. This choice does not directly address the client's current problem and should not be the priority instruction in discharge teaching.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging active range of motion to limit stiffness is the most appropriate instruction in this situation. The client's inability to bear weight on the right ankle after making dietary changes may be related to musculoskeletal issues or gouty arthritis. Active range of motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and improve joint function.
Choice C rationale:
Using an electric heating pad when pain is at its worst may provide some comfort, but it does not address the underlying cause of the severe pain in the right ankle. It is important to address the cause of the pain rather than relying solely on symptom management.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding the consumption of wine, beer, and coffee may be relevant for some medical conditions, but it does not directly address the client's current problem of severe ankle pain and inability to bear weight. It is not the most immediate concern.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Choice A rationale:
Gathering information regarding how long it will take for the children to arrive is important but does not address the immediate need for information on the dying process.
Choice C rationale:
Offering to discuss the client's health status with each of the adult children is a good approach for involving them in their father's care but does not provide the immediate information the wife is seeking.
Choice D rationale:
Reassuring the spouse that the healthcare provider will notify when to call the children does not offer information about the dying process itself, which is what the wife is interested in understanding.
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