When the nurse brings in the next dose of a drug that a patient first received 6 hours ago, the patient reports a "pounding" heart rate ever since taking the last dose. What is the nurse's best first action?
a. Document the report as the only action.
b. Check the patient's vital signs for changes.
c. Hold the dose and notify the prescriber immediately.
d. Reassure the patient that this is an expected response to the drug.
B
Any side effect or response a patient has after starting a new drug should be investigated, even when it is an expected side effect of the drug. Some drugs may increase the strength of the heartbeat and heart rate either as the intended action or as a side effect. However, any drug that affects heart response can also cause adverse heart problems. Before giving the drug or notifying the prescriber, the nurse should check the patient's vital signs, especially heart rate and quality, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. These changes are important to know for the nurse and the prescriber.
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The nurse is preparing a dose of Lanoxin for a pediatric client. The nurse recognizes that the pediatric medication takes which form?
a. Elixir b. Tablet c. Lozenge d. Infusion