A nurse is assisting in the plan of care for a client who is receiving digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Measure the client's apical pulse rate for 30 seconds before administration.
Withhold the medication if the client's heart rate is above 100/min.
Instruct the client to eat foods that are low in potassium.
Monitor the client for nausea, vomiting, and yellow vision.
The Correct Answer is D
A. The nurse should measure the apical pulse for a full minute (not 30 seconds) before administering digoxin. If the pulse is below 60 beats per minute, the medication should be withheld, making this option incomplete.
B. Digoxin should be withheld if the heart rate is below 60/min, not above 100/min. This statement does not reflect proper nursing protocol.
C. Clients taking digoxin should maintain adequate potassium levels, so advising low potassium intake is incorrect. Foods rich in potassium are encouraged.
D. Monitoring for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and yellow vision is essential, as these may indicate digoxin toxicity, making this option correct.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The ascending tract of the spinal cord transmits sensory information to the brain, but it does not process it; processing occurs in the brain itself.
B. This statement accurately describes the function of the descending tracts, which carry motor commands from the central nervous system (CNS) to the muscles, facilitating movement.
C. Sensory receptors are located in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin, not just in the muscles.
D. Motor neurons are not found in the dermal layer; they are located in the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system, where they innervate muscles.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Decreasing activity is not advisable; clients with peripheral venous disease should engage in regular, moderate exercise to improve venous circulation.
B. Massaging the legs is not recommended as it can exacerbate venous insufficiency and potentially lead to complications such as thrombosis.
C. Inspecting the legs daily for changes in color, size, and temperature is crucial for early detection of complications and indicates an understanding of self-monitoring.
D. Keeping the legs in a dependent position can worsen venous pooling; the client should elevate their legs when resting to promote venous return.