Nursing Elites

1. Which lab value is most critical to monitor in a patient receiving digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor sodium levels
• C. Monitor calcium levels
• D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in a patient receiving digoxin. Hypokalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B), calcium levels (Choice C), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are also important aspects of patient care, but potassium levels are most critical in patients on digoxin therapy.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take my pulse before taking this medication.
• B. I should take this medication with food to prevent nausea.
• C. I will take this medication if my heart rate is less than 60/min.
• D. I should take this medication with food if I am not feeling well.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Taking the pulse before taking digoxin is crucial as it helps monitor the heart rate, as digoxin can cause bradycardia as a side effect. Option B is incorrect because digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Option C is incorrect because digoxin should be held and the healthcare provider should be contacted if the heart rate is less than 60/min. Option D is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with food due to decreased absorption.

3. A client with preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage is being cared for by a nurse. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications is contraindicated?

• A. Methylergonovine
• B. Misoprostol
• C. Dinoprostone
• D. Oxytocin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Methylergonovine. Methylergonovine is contraindicated in clients with preeclampsia due to the risk of hypertension. Misoprostol (choice B), Dinoprostone (choice C), and Oxytocin (choice D) are appropriate medications for managing postpartum hemorrhage and are not contraindicated in clients with preeclampsia.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 68/min.
• B. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg.
• C. Vision changes.
• D. Respiratory rate 18/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Vision changes are a common sign of digoxin toxicity, which can be serious and should be reported to the provider immediately. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting vision changes to ensure prompt assessment and intervention.

5. A client is receiving morphine for pain management. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 88/min
• B. Pain rating of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
• C. Respiratory rate of 10/min
• D. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10/min indicates respiratory depression, a serious adverse effect of morphine that should be reported immediately. While a heart rate of 88/min, pain rating of 4, and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) are within normal ranges and do not indicate immediate concern related to morphine administration.

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