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.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While age contributes to hypertension risk, being male and 53 years old does not inherently confer the greatest risk when compared to other factors like ethnicity.
B. The client’s younger age and female gender reduce the overall risk for hypertension compared to other groups.
C. Although people of Asian ethnicity can develop hypertension, their overall risk is lower than that of African Americans.
D. African Americans have a significantly higher risk for hypertension due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. This group is known to have a higher prevalence of this condition, often developing it at an earlier age.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A respiratory therapist focuses on breathing and airway management, which is not the primary concern for a client needing strengthening after a stroke.
B. An occupational therapist helps clients with daily living activities and fine motor skills, but the focus on strengthening the affected side is more specific to physical therapy.
C. A physical therapist specializes in developing and implementing exercise programs to strengthen muscles and improve mobility, making this the most appropriate referral for the client's needs.
D. A social worker assists with emotional and social needs but would not focus on physical rehabilitation after a stroke.