The follow questions refer to the patient described below:
A 9 yr. old child with both hydrocephalus and a cardiac defect weighs 55 pounds. He requires digoxin by mouth once daily, the dose should be held if there are any symptoms of toxicity.
Pediatric maintenance dose is 5 mcg/kg daily given as a single dose. After listening to the apical rate for one full minute, you note it is only 50. Should you administer the digoxin as ordered?
NO
Just administer it without checking
instruct mom to give it
Yes
The Correct Answer is A
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat certain heart conditions, including some congenital heart defects. It's important to monitor the heart rate and other signs of toxicity when administering digoxin, especially in pediatric patients. Let's break down the information given:
The pediatric maintenance dose of digoxin is 5 mcg/kg daily.
The child weighs 55 pounds (approximately 25 kg).
Given these values, the total daily dose for this child would be:
Total daily dose = 5 mcg/kg × 25 kg = 125 mcg
This total daily dose is usually given as a single dose. However, the child's heart rate is noted to be only 50 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate of 50 bpm in a child could potentially indicate bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Bradycardia is a known adverse effect of digoxin, and it's important to assess for other signs of toxicity as well, such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in color vision.
In this case, it would be prudent to withhold the digoxin and assess the child further for signs of toxicity or bradycardia. The dose should not be administered until the healthcare provider is consulted and appropriate action is determined.
So, the correct answer is indeed NO. Administering the digoxin without considering the slow heart rate and the potential for toxicity could be unsafe for the child.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets.
Here's the calculation:
650 mg / 325 mg per tablet = 2 tablets
Since the nurse should administer a whole number of tablets, the answer is 2 tablets.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. You do not need to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion.
This statement is true. Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur without loss of consciousness. Many concussions happen without the person losing consciousness at all.
B. You will suffer permanent brain damage.
This statement is not necessarily true. While some concussions can lead to lasting effects, not all cases result in permanent brain damage. The severity and long-term effects of a concussion can vary widely.
C. We encourage fluids after a concussion.
This statement is true. Adequate hydration is important after a concussion. Staying hydrated can help support the brain's recovery process.
D. Bleeding always occurs with a concussion.
This statement is not true. Concussion is defined by the disruption of normal brain function due to a blow or jolt to the head or body, and bleeding is not always a necessary component of a concussion. However, more severe head injuries could involve bleeding and would not be classified as just a concussion.
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