The nurse, caring for a patient receiving digoxin, realizes that which of the following electrolytes needs to be monitored for early detection of dysrhythmias?
1. sodium
2. chloride
3. bicarbonate
4. potassium
4
Rationale: In patients receiving digoxin therapy, low serum potassium levels can increase the risk for development of dysrhythmias. Although important, the other electrolytes do not provide the same risk for the development of dysrhythmias as potassium.
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A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mmol/L, a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL, and a urine output of 350 mL/day. What is the best action by the nurse?
a. Place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately. b. Teach the client to limit high-potassium foods. c. Continue to monitor the client's intake and output. d. Ask to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen.
Rehabilitation goals for clients focus on preventing complications, increasing independence, and:
a. returning the client to the previous place of employment b. modifying the effects of the disability c. assessing family dynamics d. restoring health and function to the pre-injury or pre-illness level
To prevent breast engorgement, the new breastfeeding mother should be instructed to:
a. apply cold packs to the breast prior to feeding. b. breastfeed frequently and for adequate lengths of time. c. limit her intake of fluids for the first few days. d. feed her infant no more than every 4 hours.
A woman with breast cancer is undergoing chemotherapy. Which of the following side effects would the nurse interpret as being most serious?
A) Vomiting B) Hair loss C) Fatigue D) Myelosuppression