The nurse is preparing to discharge a client after CABG surgery. The client is taking several new medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and furosemide (Lasix). The client complains of nausea and anorexia. The nurse is preparing to report this finding to the physician before discharging the client. Which laboratory result will the nurse check before calling the physician?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: The client is taking digoxin, which can cause toxicity if the potassium level is low. Step 2: Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Step 3: Nausea and anorexia are symptoms of digoxin toxicity. Step 4: Therefore, the nurse should check the potassium level to assess the risk of digoxin toxicity. Step 5: Checking the sodium level (choice B) is not directly related to digoxin toxicity. Step 6: PT/INR (choice C) is used to monitor anticoagulant therapy, not related to digoxin toxicity. Step 7: Checking the digoxin level (choice D) would confirm toxicity, but checking potassium level helps prevent toxicity. Summary: The nurse should check the potassium level as it directly correlates with the risk of digoxin toxicity, whereas the other choices are not directly related to the client's symptoms and medication regimen.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Monitoring the child for gastrointestinal bleeding is the priority because aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease can increase the risk of bleeding due to its effects on platelet function. It is crucial to assess for signs of bleeding such as black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Avoiding contact with other children is not directly related to the potential side effects of aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease. C: Reporting complaints of tingling extremities is important but not as urgent as monitoring for gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. D: Maintaining a low-calorie diet is not the priority teaching at the time of discharge for a toddler with Kawasaki's disease on aspirin therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients with chronic heart failure. Therefore, if the patient's potassium level is already low, administering furosemide can further decrease it and potentially lead to serious complications. Choice B: Digoxin level of 0.7 ng/mL is not directly related to the administration of furosemide. While digoxin toxicity can occur with low potassium levels, the focus here is on the impact of furosemide on potassium levels. Choice C: Calcium level of 5 mg/dL is not a direct contraindication for administering furosemide. Low calcium levels can affect cardiac function, but in this case, potassium level is more crucial. Choice D: Magnesium level of

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epinephrine. In cardiac arrest scenarios, epinephrine is essential for its vasoconstrictive and inotropic effects, helping to increase blood flow and perfusion to vital organs. Atropine is used for bradycardia, adenosine for supraventricular tachycardia, and sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis. Epinephrine is the drug of choice in almost all cardiac arrest situations due to its crucial role in improving the chances of successful resuscitation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin. Digoxin is a cardiac medication that can lead to tachycardia as a side effect due to its impact on the heart's electrical activity. Anorexia (A), constipation (C), and urinary retention (D) are not commonly associated with digoxin use. Tachycardia is the most relevant side effect to address when discussing digoxin with a client, as it can indicate potential toxicity and the need for medical intervention.