Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.125 mg orally, to a client with heart failure. Which vital sign is most important for the healthcare professional to check before administering the medication?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Temperature
• C. Respirations
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before administering digoxin, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate as this medication directly affects cardiac function. Monitoring the heart rate helps identify if it is within the acceptable range for administering digoxin. A pulse rate below 60 beats per minute warrants withholding the medication to prevent potential adverse effects like bradycardia or cardiac arrhythmias.

2. A client is receiving intravenous heparin for a deep vein thrombosis. The healthcare provider should monitor the client for which of the following potential complications?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Bleeding
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparin is an anticoagulant, so the primary potential complication is bleeding. The healthcare provider should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Hypertension, tachycardia, and hyperkalemia are not direct complications of heparin therapy. Therefore, the correct answer is bleeding, as it is the most significant risk associated with heparin administration.

3. A client is instructed to take levothyroxine (Synthroid). The medication should be taken:

• A. With food
• B. At lunchtime
• C. On an empty stomach
• D. At bedtime with a snack

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Taking it with food or at bedtime can interfere with its absorption, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential for the client to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

4. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer a prescribed dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client. Before administering the medication, the healthcare provider should:

• A. Measure the client's blood pressure.
• B. Check the client's heart rate.
• C. Assess the client's respiratory rate.
• D. Check the client's oxygen saturation level.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering digoxin (Lanoxin), the healthcare provider should check the client's heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial because if it is below 60 beats per minute, the medication should be withheld, and the healthcare provider must be informed. While blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are essential assessments, they are not the primary focus before administering digoxin.

5. Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. The nurse monitors the client after medication administration for which therapeutic response?

• A. Decreased urinary output
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Decreased peripheral edema
• D. Decreased blood glucose level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Desmopressin promotes renal conservation of water by increasing the permeability of kidney collecting ducts to water, resulting in decreased urinary output. Therefore, the therapeutic response expected after administering desmopressin for diabetes insipidus is a reduction in urinary output.

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