The nurse is caring for a client prescribed digoxin. When assessing the client for adverse effects, the nurse should assess for which of the following signs and symptoms? (Select All that Apply.)
numbness in extremities
fatigue
Shortness of breath
anorexia
Chest pain
Confusion
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E,F
A. Numbness in extremities: Numbness in extremities is not a common adverse effect of digoxin. The focus of digoxin monitoring is primarily on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects.
B. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common adverse effect of digoxin and can indicate toxicity or overdose. Clients taking digoxin should be monitored for increased fatigue or weakness.
C. Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath can occur as an adverse effect of digoxin toxicity, particularly if it leads to pulmonary congestion or heart failure exacerbation.
D. Anorexia: Anorexia, or loss of appetite, can be a gastrointestinal adverse effect of digoxin. Clients may experience nausea, vomiting, or anorexia, which can contribute to weight loss and electrolyte imbalances.
E. Chest pain: Chest pain can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, especially if it is associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath or palpitations. It is essential to evaluate any chest pain in a client taking digoxin.
F. Confusion: Confusion or changes in mental status can occur with digoxin toxicity, particularly in older adults. Clients should be monitored for signs of confusion, delirium, or other cognitive changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. In this case, the heart rate is 64 beats per minute, which falls within the normal range, not consistent with sinus bradycardia.
B. Sinus arrhythmia: Sinus arrhythmia typically presents as a variation in the R-R interval with respiration, often seen as an irregularity in the heart rate. The provided characteristics describe a regular rhythm, so sinus arrhythmia is not the correct interpretation.
C. Sinus tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. The heart rate in this case is 64 beats per minute, which is not indicative of sinus tachycardia.
D. Normal sinus rhythm: Normal sinus rhythm refers to a regular rhythm with a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and normal QRS complex duration (less than 0.12 seconds). The provided characteristics, including regular P waves, regular QRS complexes, a PR interval of 0.16 seconds, and a heart rate of 64 beats per minute, align with a normal sinus rhythm interpretation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Remove the client's IV access:
Removing the client's IV access is not the most appropriate initial action when a client experiences difficulty breathing and severe chest tightness during a transfusion. While it's important to discontinue the infusion, the immediate priority is to stop the transfusion itself to prevent further reaction and assess the client's condition.
B. Assess the client's chest sounds and vital signs:
This choice is the correct answer. After stopping the transfusion, the nurse should assess the client's respiratory status by listening to chest sounds for any wheezing or crackles, as well as checking vital signs such as oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate. These assessments help evaluate the severity of the reaction and guide further interventions.
C. Notify the client's healthcare provider:
Notifying the healthcare provider is an essential step, but it typically follows the immediate action of stopping the transfusion and assessing the client's condition. The healthcare provider needs to be informed promptly about the client's condition, transfusion reaction, and the actions taken for further guidance and orders.
D. Stop the transfusion immediately:
This is the initial and most critical action when a client experiences signs of a transfusion reaction such as difficulty breathing and severe chest tightness. Stopping the transfusion promptly helps prevent the reaction from worsening and allows for immediate assessment and intervention to ensure client safety.
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.