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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
“Reflection is thinking about what I did and how I can improve.” Rationale: Reflection involves self-assessment and critical thinking about past actions to identify areas for improvement. This statement correctly defines reflection and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice B rationale:
“Analysis is breaking down a complex situation into smaller parts.” Rationale: Analysis is the process of examining complex situations by breaking them down into smaller, manageable components for a more in-depth understanding. This statement accurately describes analysis and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice C rationale:
“Inference is making assumptions based on my experience.” Rationale: Inference involves drawing conclusions or making predictions based on available evidence rather than personal experience. This statement incorrectly defines inference, indicating a need for further teaching.
Choice D rationale:
“Evaluation is checking the reliability and validity of information.” Rationale: Evaluation refers to the process of assessing the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of information or data. This statement accurately defines evaluation and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy, and red welts on the skin. It is an objective finding because it can be observed and assessed visually. The presence of urticaria may indicate an allergic reaction or another underlying condition.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension, measured using a sphygmomanometer, provides a quantitative value, making it an objective finding. Blood pressure readings such as systolic values above 120 mmHg or diastolic values above 80 mmHg indicate elevated blood pressure levels. Because it is measured directly, hypertension is categorized as objective data that aids in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating, which can be observed and assessed visually. It is an objective finding and may be indicative of various conditions, including anxiety or fever.
Choice D rationale:
Nausea is a subjective symptom because it is a sensation that the client experiences and reports. It cannot be directly observed by the nurse, making it a subjective parameter.
Choice E rationale:
Anxiety is a subjective symptom, as it is a mental and emotional state experienced by the client. It cannot be directly observed, making it a subjective parameter.
Choice F rationale:
Edema is an objective finding because it can be visually assessed by the nurse. Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues, and its presence or absence can be objectively determined.
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