Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should complete which task?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Before administering Digoxin, it is crucial for the nurse to count the patient's apical pulse for 1 minute. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed to manage heart conditions such as heart failure and certain irregular heartbeats. Since Digoxin works by helping the heart beat stronger and at a more normal rhythm, it is essential to monitor the patient's heart rate before administering the medication. Counting the apical pulse for 1 minute allows for an accurate assessment of the patient's baseline heart rate, which is crucial in determining whether it is safe to administer Digoxin. If the heart rate is too low (bradycardia), administering Digoxin could potentially cause further complications. Therefore, assessing the apical pulse beforehand is a critical step in ensuring the safe administration of Digoxin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Insomnia is not a common side effect of Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Common side effects of Alprazolam include dizziness, drowsiness, and lethargy. However, it is not typically associated with causing insomnia as a side effect. If a person experiences unusual symptoms while taking Alprazolam, they should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Increasing the temperature does not result in local analgesia. In fact, higher temperatures can often lead to increased pain sensitivity. Local analgesia is achieved through methods such as chemically or physically damaging nerve trunks, stimulating large fiber nerve activity, or rendering tissue anemic. These procedures work by interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain or by reducing the sensitivity of local nerve endings to pain stimuli.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: H1 receptor antagonists are primarily used for the treatment and prevention of allergic reactions. They work by blocking the H1 receptors, which are responsible for mediating allergic responses such as itching, swelling, and inflammation. This action helps to alleviate symptoms of allergies like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Valproic acid is metabolized in the liver, and patients with liver disease may have impaired liver function, which can lead to reduced metabolism of the drug and potential toxicity. Therefore, a patient with a history of liver disease starting therapy with valproic acid would be a cause for concern for the nurse. Monitoring of liver function tests would be crucial in this patient population to ensure the medication is being safely metabolized.