A nurse is caring for a client prescribed Digoxin. Which nur… | MyMerci
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Medication AdministrationPPT
Question
A nurse is caring for a client prescribed Digoxin. Which nursing action is most appropriate regarding assessing apical pulse and withholding the dose if signs of toxicity occur?
1These are cushingoid features from long-term steroid use; continue as prescribed and discuss possible dose minimization, calcium and vitamin D, low sodium diet, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, and monitoring at the next visit.✓ Correct answer
2These symptoms suggest your lupus is not adequately controlled on the current prednisone dose; you should double the dose now and contact your provider about adding another immunosuppressive agent right away.
3These manifestations indicate the steroid dose is too high; you should stop taking prednisone and we will replace it with a safer immunosuppressant like mycophenolate mofetil to control your lupus without these effects.
4These changes are unrelated to the steroid; they are typical manifestations of active lupus, so we should refer you to a dermatologist for the skin changes and a rheumatologist to intensify your immunosuppressive regimen.
Explanation
When administering Digoxin, key nursing considerations include monitoring patient status, checking critical laboratory values, and providing appropriate safety education. Unsafe practices such as stopping medications abruptly or doubling missed doses are incorrect.
The visible Cushingoid syndrome is the most commonly tested adverse-effect cluster of chronic prednisone. The intervention is dose minimization plus bone, eye, mood, and skin surveillance, not stopping or doubling.