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 B
Explanation
A. "Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of pulmonary congestion.": Cardiac enzymes are not used to diagnose pulmonary congestion. They are specific markers used to assess damage to the heart muscle, particularly after a myocardial infarction (MI).
B. "These tests help determine the degree of damage to the heart tissues.": This statement is correct. Cardiac enzyme studies, such as troponin levels, CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB), and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), are used to evaluate the extent of myocardial damage during and after an MI. Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate myocardial injury.
C. "These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure.": While cardiac imaging studies like echocardiograms or angiograms are used to assess heart structure, cardiac enzymes are primarily used to evaluate myocardial damage and not heart structure.
D. "Cardiac enzymes will identify the location of the MI.": Cardiac enzymes can indicate the presence of an MI and the extent of myocardial damage, but they do not specifically identify the location of the MI within the heart. Additional diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and imaging studies, are often used to determine the location of the MI.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I have a difficult time falling asleep at night":
Difficulty falling asleep at night is not typically a direct symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. While anemia can lead to fatigue and general tiredness, which might affect sleep quality, insomnia or difficulty falling asleep may have various causes unrelated to anemia. These causes can include stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, or other underlying medical conditions.
B. "I have an increase in my appetite":
This choice is not directly related to iron-deficiency anemia. While some individuals with anemia may experience changes in appetite, such as increased hunger, this symptom is not specific to iron-deficiency anemia alone. An increase in appetite can have various causes, including hormonal changes, dietary changes, medications, or psychological factors.
C. "I have difficulty breathing when walking 30 feet":
This choice is the correct answer. Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion like walking, is a hallmark symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, which can result in shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty with physical activities.
D. "I feel hot all of the time":
Feeling hot all the time is not a specific symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. While anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath, it does not directly lead to a constant feeling of heat or warmth throughout the body. Feeling hot or experiencing excessive sweating could be due to other factors such as hormonal changes, fever, hyperthyroidism, or environmental conditions.
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