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 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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Autonomic dysreflexia is often triggered by a noxious stimulus, such as bladder distention. Preventing bladder distention by ensuring regular bladder emptying can help prevent the condition.
B. Elevating the client's head is a response to autonomic dysreflexia but does not prevent it from occurring.
C. Providing analgesia for headaches addresses a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia but does not prevent it.
D. Monitoring for elevated blood pressure is important in detecting autonomic dysreflexia once it has started, but it does not prevent it.