A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and has been taking digoxin 0.25 mg daily. The client refuses breakfast and reports nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal.
Check the client's vital signs.
Request a dietary consult.
Request an order for an antiemetic.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal. Although rest can help with nausea, it does not address the potential issue of digoxin toxicity, which can cause nausea.
B. Check the client's vital signs. Checking vital signs, especially heart rate, is the priority because nausea can indicate digoxin toxicity, which affects heart function.
C. Request a dietary consult. A dietary consult may be helpful if the client continues to refuse meals, but it does not address the immediate potential for digoxin toxicity.
D. Request an order for an antiemetic. Although an antiemetic may help with nausea, assessing for toxicity takes priority.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I will avoid crossing my legs at the knees." Crossing the legs can restrict blood flow and should be avoided in PVD.
B. "I will use a thermometer to check the temperature of my bath water." Due to reduced sensation, checking the water temperature can prevent burns.
C. "I will not go barefoot." Going barefoot increases the risk of injury or infection, especially with impaired circulation.
D. "I will wear stockings with elastic tops." Stockings with tight elastic tops can restrict blood flow, worsening symptoms in PVD.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Depression: While propranolol can sometimes worsen symptoms of depression, this is not as critical as the impact on conditions like heart failure.
B. Glaucoma: Propranolol does not typically affect glaucoma; however, some beta-blockers are used to treat glaucoma.
C. Migraine: Propranolol is sometimes used to prevent migraines, so a history of migraines would not require discontinuation.
D. Heart failure: Propranolol can exacerbate heart failure by reducing myocardial contractility. Clients with heart failure require careful monitoring or an alternative medication.