A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a pediatric client who has heart failure. Which of the following actions is appropriate?
Instructing the client to eat foods that are low in potassium.
Repeat the dose if the client spits it out.
Measuring apical pulse rate for 30 seconds before administration.
Evaluating the client for nausea, vomiting, and anorexia.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Clients on digoxin should actually have an adequate intake of potassium, as low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
B. If a pediatric client spits out digoxin, the dose should not be repeated automatically; instead, the nurse should assess the situation and follow the facility's protocol regarding missed doses.
C. Measuring the apical pulse for one full minute before administering digoxin is critical; if the pulse is below the established threshold (usually <60 bpm for children), the medication should be held and the provider notified.
D. While evaluating for nausea, vomiting, and anorexia is important, it is not an appropriate immediate action before administering the medication. The priority action is to assess the apical pulse.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Tricuspid atresia typically leads to decreased pulmonary blood flow due to the absence of normal blood flow to the lungs.
B. Patent ductus arteriosus results in increased pulmonary blood flow because it allows blood to flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, increasing the volume of blood going to the lungs.
C. Coarctation of the aorta can cause decreased blood flow to the lower body, which may not directly relate to increased pulmonary blood flow.
D. Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by decreased pulmonary blood flow due to right ventricular outflow obstruction, making it not associated with increased pulmonary blood flow.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bradycardia is not typically expected in toddlers with heart failure; instead, tachycardia (increased heart rate) is more common as the body compensates for decreased cardiac output.
B. Weight loss is generally not a typical finding in toddlers with heart failure; rather, they often experience weight gain due to fluid retention.
C. Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is a common symptom of heart failure and would be expected in a toddler due to fluid overload affecting respiratory function.
D. Increased urine output is usually not expected in heart failure; rather, fluid retention often leads to decreased urine output as the kidneys respond to the body's fluid balance needs.