A patient about to receive a morning dose of digoxin has an apical pulse of 53 beats/min. What will the nurse do next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is to check the radial pulse for 1 full minute. When administering digoxin, it is important to assess the apical pulse before giving the medication. A heart rate of 53 beats/min is below the normal range, especially for a patient taking digoxin, which can slow heart rate further. The nurse should check the radial pulse for a full minute to verify the heart rate accurately and assess for any abnormalities. This step is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent potential complications associated with bradycardia. In this situation, it is necessary to withhold the dose and notify the prescriber to determine the appropriate course of action based on the assessment findings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Digoxin belongs to the class of medications known as cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are commonly used in the treatment of heart failure and certain types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). They work by affecting the heart muscle and helping to improve the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Digoxin is particularly effective in controlling heart rate and symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It is important to monitor digoxin levels carefully due to its narrow therapeutic index and potential for toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the antidote for Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood. In cases of Heparin overdose or when there is a need to reverse its anticoagulant effects quickly, protamine sulfate can be administered. Protamine sulfate binds to Heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effects, making it an effective antidote. It is important to administer the antidote under the guidance of a healthcare professional to prevent any adverse reactions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication. It works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots in the body. Anticoagulants like heparin are frequently used to prevent and treat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and during certain medical procedures to reduce the risk of clot formation. Heparin is not used to treat hypertension, diabetes, or as a laxative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Valproate, commonly known as sodium valproate or valproic acid, is a medication primarily used to treat seizures, including epilepsy. It is an antiepileptic drug that works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to calm excessive electrical activity that can lead to seizures. Valproate is considered a first-line treatment for various types of seizures, especially absence seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is not used for replacing hormones, maintaining blood glucose levels, or lowering blood pressure.