The parents of a young child with congestive heart failure tell ...

[nevelica]

The parents of a young child with congestive heart failure tell the nurse that they are nervous about giving digoxin. The nurse's response should be based on knowing that:
 
  a. It is a safe, frequently used drug.
  b. It is difficult to either overmedicate or undermedicate with digoxin.
  c. Parents lack the expertise necessary to administer digoxin.
  d. Parents must learn specific, important guidelines for administration of digoxin.

Question 2

As part of the treatment for congestive heart failure, the child takes the diuretic furosemide. As part of teaching home care, the nurse encourages the family to give the child foods such as bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables.
 
  These foods are recommended because they are high in:
  a. Chlorides. c. Sodium.
  b. Potassium. d. Vitamins.

[mmpiza]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range. The margin of safety between therapeutic, toxic, and lethal doses is very small. Specific guidelines are available for parents to learn how to administer the drug safely and monitor for side effects. Digoxin is a frequently used drug, but it has a narrow therapeutic range. Very small amounts of the liquid are given to infants, which makes it easy to overmedicate or undermedicate. Parents may lack the necessary expertise to administer the drug at first, but with discharge preparation they should be prepared to administer the drug safely.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Diuretics that work on the proximal and distal renal tubules contribute to increased losses of potassium. The child's diet should be supplemented with potassium.