A Patient with Heart Failure Who Has Been Given Digoxin

question 11

Multiple Choice

A patient with heart failure who has been given digoxin [Lanoxin] daily for a week complains of nausea. Before giving the next dose,the nurse will:

• A) assess the heart rate (HR) and give the dose if the HR is greater than 60 beats per minute.
• B) contact the provider to report digoxin toxicity.
• C) request an order for a decreased dose of digoxin.
• D) review the serum electrolyte values and withhold the dose if the potassium level is greater than 3.5 mEq/L.

---

Definitions:

Dorsal Gluteal

An anatomical site on the upper buttock, once common for intramuscular injections but now less favored due to risk of nerve damage.

Vastus Lateralis

A muscle located on the side of the thigh, part of the quadriceps group, and commonly used as an injection site.

Intramuscularly

A method of administering medication directly into the muscle tissue, allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.

Zolpidem PO

A prescription medication taken orally (PO) for the treatment of insomnia, known by the brand name Ambien among others.