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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is providing teaching about digoxin administration to the parents of a toddler who has heart failure. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child's favorite juice."
This statement is incorrect because adding digoxin to juice or other liquids can alter the concentration and effectiveness of the medicine4. You should give digoxin to your child by mouth with or without food, using a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you are using the liquid form of digoxin, you can give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek and let your child swallow it before giving more.
B. "Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication."
This statement is incorrect because repeating the dose of digoxin can increase the risk of overdose and side effects. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, which means that too much or too little of the medicine can be harmful. If your child vomits within 1 hour after taking digoxin, do not give another dose and continue with the normal dose amount at the next scheduled time4. If your child vomits frequently or has signs of overdose, such as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, vision changes, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.
C. "Limit your child's potassium intake while she is taking this medication."
This statement is incorrect because limiting your child’s potassium intake can actually worsen the effects of digoxin6. Digoxin works by affecting the levels of sodium and potassium in the heart cells, which helps regulate the heart rhythm and contractility. However, low potassium levels can make digoxin more toxic and increase the risk of arrhythmias6. Therefore, you should not restrict your child’s potassium intake unless instructed by your doctor6. You should also avoid giving your child foods or supplements that are high in fiber, as they can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Some examples of high-fiber foods are bran, psyllium, and some fruits and vegetables
D. "Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication."
Digoxin is a medicine used to treat various heart conditions, including heart failure and irregular heartbeat1. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully when giving digoxin to your child, as the dosage and timing may vary depending on your child’s age, weight, and medical condition. Out of the four statements you provided, only one is correct. The correct statement is: d. “Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication.” This statement is correct because drinking water after taking digoxin can help prevent stomach upset and ensure proper absorption of the medicine.
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Full Explanation
Digoxin is a medicine used to treat various heart conditions, including heart failure and irregular heartbeat1. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully when giving digoxin to your child, as the dosage and timing may vary depending on your child’s age, weight, and medical condition.
Out of the four statements you provided, only one is correct. The correct statement is:
d. “Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication.”
This statement is correct because drinking water after taking digoxin can help prevent stomach upset and ensure proper absorption of the medicine.
The other three statements are incorrect and should not be followed. Here are the reasons why:
a. “You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child’s favorite juice.”
This statement is incorrect because adding digoxin to juice or other liquids can alter the concentration and effectiveness of the medicine4. You should give digoxin to your child by mouth with or without food, using a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you are using the liquid form of digoxin, you can give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek and let your child swallow it before giving more.
b. “Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication.”
This statement is incorrect because repeating the dose of digoxin can increase the risk of overdose and side effects4. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, which means that too much or too little of the medicine can be harmful. If your child vomits within 1 hour after taking digoxin, do not give another dose and continue with the normal dose amount at the next scheduled time4. If your child vomits frequently or has signs of overdose, such as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, vision changes, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.
c. “Limit your child’s potassium intake while she is taking this medication.”
This statement is incorrect because limiting your child’s potassium intake can actually worsen the effects of digoxin6. Digoxin works by affecting the levels of sodium and potassium in the heart cells, which helps regulate the heart rhythm and contractility. However, low potassium levels can make digoxin more toxic and increase the risk of arrhythmias6. Therefore, you should not restrict your child’s potassium intake unless instructed by your doctor6. You should also avoid giving your child foods or supplements that are high in fiber, as they can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Some examples of high-fiber foods are bran, psyllium, and some fruits and vegetables
Similar Questions
A nurse is teaching a client who has atrial fibrillation and is to start taking dabigatran. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should replace any unused medication every 6 months."
Incorrect. Unused medication replacement might not be necessary every 6 months and depends on the expiration date of the medication container.
B. "I can crush the medication and mix it with applesauce."
Incorrect. Dabigatran capsules should not be crushed or opened, as it can affect the medication's efficacy and increase the risk of bleeding.
C. "I can store the medication in the refrigerator."
Incorrect. Storing the medication in the refrigerator is not necessary for dabigatran.
D. "I should keep the medication in the original container."
Correct. Keeping the medication in the original container helps protect it from moisture and ensures proper identification and labeling.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Unused medication replacement might not be necessary every 6 months and depends on the expiration date of the medication container.
B. Incorrect. Dabigatran capsules should not be crushed or opened, as it can affect the medication's efficacy and increase the risk of bleeding.
C. Incorrect. Storing the medication in the refrigerator is not necessary for dabigatran.
D. Correct. Keeping the medication in the original container helps protect it from moisture and ensures proper identification and labeling.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum and has a third-degree perineal laceration. The client reports not having a bowel movement for 4 days. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?
A. Bisacodyl 10 mg rectal suppository
This is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out. However, given the client's third-degree perineal laceration, a rectal suppository might cause discomfort and potentially disrupt the healing process.
B. Loperamide 4 mg PO
Incorrect. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication and is not appropriate for constipation relief.
C. Magnesium hydroxide 30 mL PO
This is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. It is taken orally and would not interfere with the healing of the perineal laceration.
D. Famotidine 20 mg PO
Incorrect. Famotidine is an H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and is not indicated for constipation relief.
Full Explanation
A. This is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out. However, given the client's third-degree perineal laceration, a rectal suppository might cause discomfort and potentially disrupt the healing process.
B. Incorrect. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication and is not appropriate for constipation relief.
C. This is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. It is taken orally and would not interfere with the healing of the perineal laceration.
D. Incorrect. Famotidine is an H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and is not indicated for constipation relief.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client about the adverse effects of sertraline. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse include?
A. Metallic taste in the mouth
Incorrect. A metallic taste in the mouth is not a common adverse effect of sertraline.
B. Excessive sweating
Correct. Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) is a potential adverse effect of sertraline and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
C. Increased urinary frequency
Incorrect. Increased urinary frequency is not commonly associated with sertraline.
D. Dry cough
Incorrect. A dry cough is not a known adverse effect of sertraline.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. A metallic taste in the mouth is not a common adverse effect of sertraline.
B. Correct. Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) is a potential adverse effect of sertraline and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
C. Incorrect. Increased urinary frequency is not commonly associated with sertraline.
D. Incorrect. A dry cough is not a known adverse effect of sertraline.