which lab value is most critical to monitor in a patient receiving digoxin

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

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. How should a healthcare professional monitor for infection in a patient with a central line?

A. Check the central line dressing daily
B. Monitor for signs of redness
C. Check for abnormal breath sounds
D. Monitor temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: A. Checking the central line dressing daily is crucial to monitor for signs of infection around the insertion site. This practice helps in early detection of any changes such as redness, swelling, or discharge, which are indicators of a potential infection. Monitoring for signs of redness (choice B) is limited as redness alone may not always indicate an infection; other symptoms like discharge and tenderness should also be observed. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (choice C) is not directly related to monitoring central line infections. Monitoring temperature (choice D) is important for detecting systemic signs of infection but may not specifically indicate an infection related to the central line site.

3. What is the first action to take when a patient experiences a seizure?

A. Protect the patient from injury
B. Administer oxygen
C. Administer IV fluids
D. Administer anti-seizure medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first action to take when a patient experiences a seizure is to protect the patient from injury. This is crucial to prevent harm during the seizure. Administering oxygen, IV fluids, or anti-seizure medication may be necessary based on the patient's condition, but ensuring their safety by removing harmful objects, cushioning their head, and keeping the area clear is the immediate priority. Administering oxygen, IV fluids, or medication would come after ensuring the patient's safety.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I should avoid eating foods high in potassium.
B. I will check my blood pressure at least once a week.
C. I should increase my intake of dairy products.
D. I should exercise for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Exercising for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week helps manage hypertension by promoting cardiovascular health. Statements A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in potassium is not necessary unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Checking blood pressure once a week is not frequent enough for effective monitoring. Increasing dairy product intake is not a recommended approach to managing hypertension.

5. A nurse is caring for an adult client who has prescriptions for multiple medications. Which of the following is an age-related change that increases the risk for adverse effects from these medications?

A. Rapid gastric emptying
B. Prolonged medication half-life
C. Increased medication elimination
D. Decreased medication sensitivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prolonged medication half-life. As clients age, their metabolism tends to slow down, leading to a prolonged half-life of medications in the body. This extended presence of drugs can increase the risk for adverse effects as the substances accumulate. Choice A, rapid gastric emptying, is not an age-related change and actually decreases the time medications spend in the stomach, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Choice C, increased medication elimination, is not an age-related change either; in fact, aging can lead to decreased renal function, affecting drug elimination. Choice D, decreased medication sensitivity, is not an age-related change that directly increases the risk for adverse effects; rather, it may lead to requiring higher doses for effectiveness but does not inherently increase the risk of adverse effects.