What is the priority assessment for a 54 year old patient with heart failure who is receiving digoxin?
INR level
Temperature
Apical heart rate
Blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. INR level is a measure of blood clotting time and is not directly affected by digoxin. It is more relevant for patients who are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Temperature is not a priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin. It may indicate an infection or inflammation, but it is not related to the action or toxicity of digoxin.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Apical heart rate is the priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force and efficiency of the heart contractions, but also slows down the heart rate. The nurse should monitor the apical pulse for one full minute before administering digoxin and withhold the dose if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute for adults or below the age-specific normal range for children. A low or irregular pulse may indicate digoxin toxicity, which can be life-threatening.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Blood pressure is not a priority assessment for a patient receiving digoxin. Digoxin does not have a direct effect on blood pressure, although it may improve the cardiac output and reduce the fluid retention in patients with heart failure. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, but it is not as critical as the apical heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a soft bristled tooth brush can prevent gum bleeding and irritation that may occur with a hard bristled tooth brush. Gum bleeding can be a sign of excessive anticoagulation and increased risk of bleeding.
Choice B reason: Reporting black or bloody bowel movements is important because it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a serious complication of warfarin therapy. Gastrointestinal bleeding can cause anemia, shock, and even death if not treated promptly.
Choice C reason: Limiting all fruits and vegetables is not necessary for a client taking warfarin. However, some fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in vitamin K, can interfere with the effect of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage, and some fruits, such as avocado, kiwi, and grapes. The client should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and avoid sudden changes in their diet.
Choice D reason: Reporting coffee ground or bloody emesis is also important because it can indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be another serious complication of warfarin therapy. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can cause hematemesis, melena, anemia, and hypovolemic shock.
Choice E reason: Shaving with an electric razor instead of a razor blade can prevent skin cuts and bleeding that may occur with a razor blade. Skin cuts and bleeding can be a sign of excessive anticoagulation and increased risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is ["2.8"]
Explanation
Convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms:
154 lb ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg
Calculate the dose of pentamidine:
4 mg/kg × 70 kg = 280 mg
Determine the volume to be administered:
We have 100 mg/mL concentration of pentamidine.
280 mg ÷ 100 mg/mL = 2.8 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 2.8 mL of pentamidine to the client.
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