Share This Link

Tinnitus: While tinnitus can be concerning, it is not a classic side effect of digoxin. It may indicate other issues such as hearing problems or medication interactions, but it does not typically warrant immediate communication with the healthcare provider in the context of digoxin use.

Constipation: Although constipation can occur in some patients taking digoxin, it is generally not considered a critical side effect that requires urgent attention. Patients are encouraged to manage this symptom through dietary changes or over-the-counter remedies unless it becomes severe.

Vertigo: While vertigo can occur in various medical conditions and may be a side effect of other medications, it is not specifically linked to digoxin. If a patient experiences vertigo, they should monitor it but are not necessarily required to contact their healthcare provider immediately unless it is severe or persistent.

Discuss which lifestyle modifications will be necessary to maintain health: While this is an important aspect of ongoing care and management for coronary artery disease, it does not directly address the immediate concern of impaired tissue perfusion. The priority is to ensure the client is currently experiencing effective perfusion rather than just planning for future health modifications.

Have clear breath sounds bilaterally upon auscultation: Clear breath sounds are a positive indicator of pulmonary function but do not directly measure tissue perfusion related to coronary artery disease. While this is important for overall health, it does not specifically target the issue of impaired perfusion in cardiac tissue.

Have a urinary output of greater than 30 ml per hour for 24 hours: While adequate urinary output can be a sign of good kidney perfusion and overall fluid balance, it is not a direct indicator of cardiac tissue perfusion. The priority in this scenario is more closely tied to the client’s cardiac status and symptoms related to coronary artery disease.

"I know that I should carry my medication with me in case I develop chest pain.": This statement shows that the client is aware of the importance of having their medication accessible during a potential cardiac event. It indicates a level of preparedness and understanding of their condition, suggesting that the client is adapting well to managing their illness.

"My wife and I will learn to cook using the 'good' cooking methods.": This statement reflects a proactive approach to lifestyle modifications, indicating that the client is willing to make dietary changes to improve their health. Such positive steps are a sign of adapting effectively to coronary artery disease.

"I feel a little anxious when I get chest discomfort.": While anxiety is a natural response to experiencing chest discomfort, this statement alone does not indicate an inability to adapt. Acknowledging feelings of anxiety can be part of a healthy coping mechanism as the client learns to manage their condition.

Administer the medication and notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure: Administering furosemide despite the hypotensive reading may pose significant risks to the client. While notifying the healthcare provider is important, the immediate priority should be to ensure the client's safety by withholding the medication until the blood pressure can be reassessed.

Administer the dose and continue to monitor the vital signs: This approach is not advisable due to the low blood pressure. Administering the medication without addressing the hypotension could lead to a further drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of adverse effects such as dizziness or syncope.

Call the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide: While oral furosemide may be a reasonable alternative, the priority is to manage the client's current hypotensive state. The immediate action should focus on reassessing the blood pressure and ensuring the client is stable before considering alternative routes of medication administration.

Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal: While changes in hair growth and nail texture can occur with aging, the specific combination of hair loss on the legs and thick toenails in a client with peripheral vascular disease is indicative of underlying circulatory issues rather than simply a normal aging process.

A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention: While peripheral vascular disease does increase the risk of blood clots, the presence of no hair on the legs and thick toenails is more directly related to chronic insufficient blood flow rather than an acute clotting situation requiring immediate intervention.

Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus: While hereditary factors can influence hair loss and fungal infections can affect nails, in the context of peripheral vascular disease, the findings are primarily due to inadequate blood supply rather than hereditary issues or fungal infections.

"You can take 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time": While enteric-coated aspirin can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation, taking it with orange juice is not advisable. Citrus can increase gastric acidity, which might irritate the GI tract further, especially in a patient with a history of GI bleeding.

"Take a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime": Taking aspirin with only water, particularly at bedtime, may increase the risk of gastric irritation and does not provide the protective effect that food or milk would. This is not the best practice for someone with a history of GI issues.

"It's ok to take the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening": Ginseng can interact with blood-thinning medications and may increase bleeding risk. Advising the client to combine aspirin with ginseng tea could be harmful, especially given their history of GI bleeding. This is not a safe or appropriate recommendation.

Total cholesterol 198 mg/dL: While this value is within normal limits, it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of atorvastatin treatment, which primarily aims to lower LDL levels. An optimal outcome would focus more on the LDL reduction rather than total cholesterol alone.

Serum albumin 6 g/L: This value is low and indicates potential malnutrition or liver dysfunction, which are not expected outcomes for a client on atorvastatin. A normal serum albumin level typically ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL, so this finding is concerning.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 25 units/L: While this ALT level is within the normal range, it does not directly reflect the primary goal of atorvastatin therapy, which is to lower LDL cholesterol. Monitoring liver enzymes is important, but the expected outcome would be more clearly indicated by improved lipid profiles, particularly LDL levels.

Baked chicken, baked beans, french fries, and cake: While baked chicken and baked beans may have some nutritional benefits, the inclusion of french fries and cake adds unhealthy fats and sugars, which are not recommended for a client with hypertension. High sodium levels in processed foods can also be problematic.

Grilled steak, fresh green beans, mashed potatoes, and ice cream: Grilled steak can be high in saturated fat, and mashed potatoes may be loaded with butter or cream. Ice cream adds excessive sugar and fat, which are not ideal for managing hypertension.

Tomato soup, fried flounder, white rice, and an apple: Fried flounder is high in unhealthy fats, and white rice can be high in carbohydrates without the fiber found in whole grains. While the apple is a healthy choice, the overall menu does not support hypertension management effectively.