A client is receiving digoxin therapy. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client is receiving digoxin therapy, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor liver function, serum electrolytes (especially potassium levels), and blood pressure. Digoxin is known to affect the heart's electrical activity and can lead to toxic effects if not managed properly. Monitoring liver function helps to assess the drug's metabolism and excretion. Checking serum electrolytes, especially potassium, is essential because digoxin toxicity can be exacerbated by electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. Monitoring blood pressure is necessary because digoxin can influence cardiac contractility and heart rate, potentially affecting blood pressure. Therefore, monitoring all these parameters is vital to ensure the client's safety and therapeutic effectiveness of digoxin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because monitoring only one or two of these parameters may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's response to digoxin therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Atorvastatin requires monitoring for liver function due to its potential to cause liver abnormalities. It can also lead to muscle pain or weakness, a condition known as myopathy. Choice C is incorrect as atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus, making choices A and B the correct options to include in patient education.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When caring for a client with a history of hypertension, monitoring blood pressure is crucial as it allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of management and adjust treatment if necessary. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice A) is important for conditions like heart failure, but in hypertension, the focus is primarily on blood pressure. Monitoring serum potassium levels (Choice C) is relevant in clients taking certain medications like diuretics, and weight (Choice D) is important for overall health assessment but is not the primary parameter to monitor in hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer it on an empty stomach. Iron supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach to enhance their absorption. It is important to avoid giving them with milk or dairy products as these can inhibit iron absorption. Checking blood pressure and monitoring for allergic reactions are not directly related to the administration of iron supplements and are not the primary considerations in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of hyperglycemia when educating on corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose levels, making it essential to watch for hyperglycemia, especially in diabetic patients. Choice B is incorrect because corticosteroids should not be abruptly stopped due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroids are associated with various adverse effects, making long-term use risky. Choice D is incorrect as dehydration is not typically a primary concern directly related to corticosteroid use.