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?
1Intravenous naloxone administered via IV push to reverse the opioid-like sedation that can occur after intentional acetaminophen overdose.
2Intravenous sodium bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine and enhance renal excretion of the hepatotoxic NAPQI metabolite following massive acetaminophen ingestion.
3Administration of a single dose of activated charcoal now, as it remains a recommended intervention to bind acetaminophen for up to 12 hours after ingestion.✓ Correct answer
4IV or oral N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst, Acetadote) loading dose followed by maintenance dosing for at least 21 hours, ideally within 8 hours of ingestion.
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.
N-acetylcysteine ASAP, ideally within 8 hours, IV preferred for severe cases. The Rumack-Matthew nomogram drives the decision; do not wait for symptoms because hepatotoxicity is silent until day 2 to 4.