which lab value should be monitored in a patient on digoxin

ATI RN

ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam

1. Which lab value should be monitored in a patient on digoxin?

A. Monitor potassium levels
B. Monitor calcium levels
C. Monitor digoxin levels
D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor digoxin levels in a patient on digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and monitoring its levels in the blood is crucial to ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity. Monitoring potassium levels (Choice A) is important due to the potential of digoxin-induced hypokalemia, but the primary focus should be on monitoring digoxin levels. Monitoring calcium levels (Choice B) and sodium levels (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and are not the primary lab values of concern when administering digoxin.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer ceftriaxone IM to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

A. Administer the medication using a tuberculin syringe
B. Administer the medication at a 45-degree angle
C. Use the dorsogluteal muscle for injection
D. Aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: When administering intramuscular injections like ceftriaxone, it is essential to aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel. Choices A and B are incorrect because ceftriaxone is typically administered using a syringe appropriate for IM injections (not a tuberculin syringe) and injected at a 90-degree angle rather than 45 degrees. Choice C is incorrect because the dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended for IM injections due to potential injury to the sciatic nerve and other structures.

3. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with chronic kidney disease?

A. Limit fluid intake
B. Increase potassium intake
C. Provide a high-protein diet
D. Administer IV antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Limiting fluid intake is essential in managing patients with chronic kidney disease to prevent fluid overload, which can worsen kidney function. Increasing potassium intake is not recommended as patients with kidney disease often need to limit potassium. Providing a high-protein diet may put extra strain on the kidneys, so it is not ideal. Administering IV antibiotics is not a standard treatment for chronic kidney disease.

4. How should bleeding in a patient on warfarin be monitored?

A. Monitor INR levels
B. Monitor hemoglobin levels
C. Monitor potassium levels
D. Monitor platelet count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor INR levels. INR levels are the most critical indicator for monitoring bleeding risk in patients on warfarin. INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and specifically measures the clotting tendency of the blood. Monitoring hemoglobin levels, potassium levels, or platelet count are not as directly relevant to assessing bleeding risk in patients on warfarin.

5. A client with vision loss is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Keep objects in the client's room in the same place
B. Ensure there is high-wattage lighting in the client's room
C. Approach the client from the side
D. Touch the client gently to announce presence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to keep objects in the client's room in the same place. This helps individuals with vision loss navigate their environment more easily by creating a familiar and consistent layout. Choice B, ensuring high-wattage lighting, may not be suitable for all clients with vision loss and can cause discomfort or glare. Approaching the client from the side (Choice C) can startle them and is not recommended. Touching the client (Choice D) without warning may cause anxiety or distress, so it's important to announce presence verbally.