the nurse is administering digoxin to a client what is the most important parameter to check before administration

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?

A. Heart rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia, making it essential to ensure the heart rate is within the appropriate range. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are also important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, but when administering digoxin, the focus should primarily be on the heart rate due to its potential effects on cardiac function.

2. What type of medication is used to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD?

A. Bronchodilator
B. Corticosteroid
C. Mucolytic
D. Antihistamine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways, improving airflow and making breathing easier for patients with asthma or COPD. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce airway inflammation, while mucolytics help in thinning and clearing mucus. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and not specifically to improve breathing in conditions like asthma or COPD.

3. The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the most important dietary instruction?

A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
B. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
C. Avoid foods high in sodium.
D. Increase intake of foods high in sodium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and can lead to hyperkalemia if too much potassium is consumed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing intake of potassium-rich foods can worsen hyperkalemia, while avoiding foods high in sodium is not the primary concern when taking spironolactone.

4. Which heart chamber ejects blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery?

A. Right atrium
B. Left atrium
C. Right ventricle
D. Left ventricle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the right ventricle. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood into the lungs through the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body, respectively.

5. Which type of lung cancer is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos?

A. Mesothelioma
B. Adenocarcinoma
C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Small cell lung cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer is indeed strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Small cell lung cancer are not primarily linked to asbestos exposure, making them incorrect choices for this question.