The nurse is preparing to administer the prescribed digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which
assessment finding causes the nurse to hold the dose?
a. The patient complains of a headache, rating the pain as a 4/10
...
The nurse is preparing to administer the prescribed digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which
assessment finding causes the nurse to hold the dose?
a. The patient complains of a headache, rating the pain as a 4/10.
b. The patient's blood pressure is 130/76.
c. The patient's heart rate is 54 bpm.
d. The patient has bilateral edema in the lower extremities.
e. The patient's serum potassium is 4.5 mEq/L. - ✔✔- ANS: C. The patient's heart rate is 54
bpm. Rationale: Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, has a negative chronotropic action (decreases
heart rate). The patient is already bradycardic, and giving digoxin may dangerously decrease
the heart rate further. Headache is a possible side effect of digoxin therapy, but not a
contraindication. The patient's blood pressure is elevated, but this is not a contraindication for
digoxin. Bilateral edema is common with heart failure. The risk of digoxin toxicity increases with
hypokalemia, but potassium of 4.5 mEq/L is within normal range
A patient has been prescribed furosemide to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. Which
statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?
a. "I will take this medication in the morning so that I do not have to use the bathroom frequently
at night."
b. "I will limit my potassium intake while I am taking this medication."
c. "I will move slowly when I change positions."
d. "I will take this medication with food to prevent nausea." - ✔✔- ANS: B. "I will limit my
potassium intake while I am taking this medication." Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic,
which causes loss of sodium, water, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Hypokalemia is a
possible side effect, so potassium intake should not be restricted. A potassium supplement may
be necessary.
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors?
a. ACE inhibitors are the preferred antihypertensive medication for pregnant women.
b. ACE inhibitors may cause a constant, irritating cough as a side effect.
c. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by decreasing peripheral resistance.
d. ACE inhibitors alone do not produce the desired antihypertensive response in African
Americans and older
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