The nurse should teach the client who is taking digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily to call the healthcare provider if which side effect is experienced?
Tinnitus
Constipation
Visual disturbances
Vertigo
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Tinnitus is not a common or serious side effect of digoxin, a drug that strengthens the contraction of the heart and regulates the heart rhythm. ¹ Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by many factors, such as ear infections, loud noises, or medications. ² However, digoxin is not known to cause tinnitus, and it is not a reason to call the healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: Constipation is not a common or serious side effect of digoxin. Digoxin does not affect the bowel function, and it is not a reason to call the healthcare provider. Constipation can be caused by many factors, such as dehydration, lack of fiber, or medications. ³ The client should drink plenty of fluids, eat high-fiber foods, and exercise regularly to prevent or relieve constipation.
Choice C reason: Visual disturbances are a common and serious side effect of digoxin, and they are a reason to call the healthcare provider. Digoxin can cause changes in vision, such as blurred vision, yellow or green halos around objects, or seeing spots or flashes. ¹ These are signs of digoxin toxicity, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the level of digoxin in the blood is too high. The client should report any visual disturbances to the healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Choice D reason: Vertigo is not a common or serious side effect of digoxin. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or losing balance that can be caused by many factors, such as inner ear problems, head injuries, or medications. However, digoxin is not known to cause vertigo, and it is not a reason to call the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chlorthalidone and atenolol are used to treat hypertension⁴⁵. However, administering the medication when the blood pressure is 90/60 might not be advisable. This is because atenolol, a beta-blocker, can further lower the heart rate and blood pressure¹¹⁷. Therefore, it's important to monitor the patient's blood pressure before administration¹.
Choice B reason: Atenolol can slow the heart rate¹¹⁷. If the heart rate is already less than 60 beats per minute, which is the lower limit of the normal range¹, the medication should be held and the healthcare provider should be notified⁵.
Choice C reason: One of the side effects of atenolol and chlorthalidone is dizziness or lightheadedness¹¹⁷. Teaching the patient to dangle their feet before standing can help prevent orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down¹¹.
Choice D reason: Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that can cause the body to lose potassium¹¹⁷. However, atenolol does not have this effect⁵. Therefore, it's not necessary to limit the intake of potassium-rich foods unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Choice E reason: Monitoring fluid intake and output is important when administering diuretics like chlorthalidone⁵. This can help ensure the patient is not becoming dehydrated and help monitor the medication's effectiveness¹¹.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: I should continue to read the labels of foods I select at the grocery store is not a statement that indicates a need for further clarification by the nurse. This statement shows that the client understands the importance of choosing foods that are low in sodium, fat, and calories, which can help lower blood pressure and prevent complications.
Choice B reason: Keeping my blood pressure under control reduces my risk for a heart attack is not a statement that indicates a need for further clarification by the nurse. This statement shows that the client understands the benefits of pharmacologic therapy for hypertension, which can prevent or delay the development of cardiovascular disease.
Choice C reason: When I get out of bed in the morning, I should first sit for a few minutes and then stand is not a statement that indicates a need for further clarification by the nurse. This statement shows that the client understands how to prevent or minimize orthostatic hypotension, which is a possible side effect of some anti-hypertensive medications.
Choice D reason: I will be able to stop my anti-hypertensive medication when my blood pressure is normal is a statement that indicates a need for further clarification by the nurse. This statement shows that the client has a misconception about the nature and duration of pharmacologic therapy for hypertension. The nurse should explain that hypertension is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and monitoring, and that stopping the medication abruptly can cause a rebound increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of complications.
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