Ivy Tech, Pharmocology
Ivy Tech, Pharmocology ( 41 Questions)
A client is being treated for heart failure. Labs: Sodium 146, Potassium 2.9, Hemoglobin 10.5, White Blood Cells 12.2 VS: BP 118/66, apical heart rate 68, O2 96% on 2L nasal cannula, temperature 98.4F
What will the nurse do with the digoxin order?
This statement is false. The nurse should not delay the administration of digoxin based on the heart rate alone, unless it is below 60 beats per minute. The nurse should also consider the serum potassium level, which is low in this case and increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
This statement is true. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD, as the client has a low potassium level, which can potentiate the effects of digoxin and cause arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. The MD may order a serum digoxin level, potassium supplementation, or a dose adjustment.
This statement is false. The nurse does not need to call the prescriber and ask for a chest x-ray, as this is not relevant to the digoxin order. A chest x-ray may be indicated to assess the severity of heart failure, but it does not affect the decision to administer digoxin.
This statement is false. The nurse should not give the digoxin as ordered, as the client has a low potassium level, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD for further instructions..
Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not delay the administration of digoxin based on the heart rate alone, unless it is below 60 beats per minute. The nurse should also consider the serum potassium level, which is low in this case and increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD, as the client has a low potassium level, which can potentiate the effects of digoxin and cause arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. The MD may order a serum digoxin level, potassium supplementation, or a dose adjustment.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to call the prescriber and ask for a chest x-ray, as this is not relevant to the digoxin order. A chest x-ray may be indicated to assess the severity of heart failure, but it does not affect the decision to administer digoxin.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not give the digoxin as ordered, as the client has a low potassium level, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD for further instructions..
