The nurse is reviewing the client’s laboratory results. Based on a client’s serum digoxin level, the client is diagnosed with digoxin toxicity. Which action should the nurse expect to implement?
Begin cardioversion to stabilize heart rhythm.
Give digoxin by another route to slow absorption.
Administer potassium to stabilize the heart rate.
Check acid-base and electrolyte values.
The Correct Answer is D
- Begin cardioversion to stabilize heart rhythm: Cardioversion is not the appropriate intervention for digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity can cause arrhythmias, but the initial action should be to assess and manage the underlying cause, rather than immediately proceeding to cardioversion.
B) Give digoxin by another route to slow absorption: Slowing the absorption of digoxin is not the appropriate action for treating digoxin toxicity. Instead, the focus should be on managing the existing toxicity and preventing further absorption by withholding additional doses.
C) Administer potassium to stabilize the heart rate: While potassium may be indicated as part of the treatment for digoxin toxicity, particularly if hypokalemia is contributing to the toxicity, it is not the initial action. The priority is to assess the client’s acid-base and electrolyte values to identify any abnormalities contributing to the toxicity.
D) Check acid-base and electrolyte values: This is the correct action. Digoxin toxicity can be exacerbated by electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. Therefore, assessing the client’s acid-base and electrolyte values is essential to identify and correct any abnormalities contributing to the toxicity. Once identified, appropriate interventions can be implemented to manage the toxicity and stabilize the client’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Cheese, milk, and yogurt: These foods are high in calcium and may not be the best choice for a client taking furosemide, as they can contribute to calcium levels and potentially exacerbate hypercalcemia, which is a risk with loop diuretic use.
B) Bananas, oranges, and peaches: This is the correct response. These fruits are rich in potassium, which is often depleted in clients taking loop diuretics like furosemide. Encouraging foods high in potassium can help replenish electrolytes and prevent hypokalemia.
C) Pasta, cereal, and bread: While these foods are generally well-tolerated and can provide carbohydrates for energy, they do not specifically address the electrolyte imbalances associated with loop diuretic use.
D) Liver, beef, and chicken: These foods are good sources of protein but do not directly address the electrolyte imbalances associated with loop diuretic use.
Therefore, encouraging the client to consume foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and peaches, can help offset the potassium loss caused by furosemide and mitigate the risk of hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) A decreased peak and trough level may indicate subtherapeutic levels of the medication but do not pose an immediate risk to the client. Adjustments to the dosing regimen may be needed, but this finding does not require immediate action.
B) A decreased trough level alone may suggest a need for dosage adjustment but does not present an immediate risk to the client. It is important to monitor therapeutic drug levels, but this finding does not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
C) An increased peak and trough level indicates potential toxicity of the medication. Increased peak levels can lead to nephrotoxicity, while increased trough levels can lead to ototoxicity. Both conditions are serious and require immediate action to prevent harm to the client. The nurse should report this finding immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the medication regimen.
D) A decreased peak level alone may indicate subtherapeutic levels of the medication, but it does not pose an immediate risk to the client. Adjustments to the dosing regimen may be needed, but this finding does not require immediate action.
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