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 client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will need to take this medication for 3 months.
B. I will take this medication with an antacid.
C. I will avoid foods that contain iodine.
D. I will take this medication in the morning before breakfast.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "I will take this medication in the morning before breakfast." Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning before breakfast to improve absorption and effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because the duration of levothyroxine therapy is usually long-term and not limited to 3 months. Choice B is incorrect because levothyroxine should not be taken with antacids as they may decrease its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because there is no need to avoid foods that contain iodine while taking levothyroxine.

3. A nurse is providing teaching about newborn care to a group of parents. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. You should not bathe your newborn every day.
B. You should avoid covering your newborn with a heavy blanket during naps.
C. You should expect your newborn's stools to be soft and yellow.
D. You should keep your newborn's head elevated while they sleep.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You should keep your newborn's head elevated while they sleep.' Keeping the newborn's head elevated while sleeping helps prevent conditions like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Choice A is incorrect because newborns do not need to be bathed every day; it is recommended to bathe them 2-3 times a week. Choice B is incorrect as heavy blankets can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns. Choice C is incorrect as newborn stools are typically soft and yellow in color, not firm and light brown.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and reports perineal pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Administer analgesics as prescribed.
B. Apply a warm compress to the perineum.
C. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.
D. Position the client with the head elevated.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering analgesics as prescribed is the appropriate intervention for managing perineal pain in a postpartum client. Analgesics help to alleviate discomfort and promote the client's recovery. Applying a warm compress (choice B) may provide some relief, but it does not address the pain as effectively as analgesics. Encouraging ambulation (choice C) and positioning the client with the head elevated (choice D) are not directly related to addressing perineal pain.

5. What is the best position for a patient with respiratory distress?

A. Semi-Fowler's position
B. Trendelenburg position
C. Prone position
D. Supine position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best position for a patient with respiratory distress is the Semi-Fowler's position. This position promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation by allowing the chest to expand more fully. The Trendelenburg position, where the patient's feet are higher than the head, is contraindicated in respiratory distress as it can increase pressure on the diaphragm and compromise breathing. The prone position, lying face down, may be beneficial in certain cases like acute respiratory distress syndrome but is not generally recommended for all patients in respiratory distress. The supine position, lying flat on the back, can worsen respiratory distress by causing the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway.