A nurse is preparing to administer a cardiotonic drug via IM ...

[urbanoutfitters]

A nurse is preparing to administer a cardiotonic drug via IM injection based on the understanding of which of the following about this route? Select all that apply.
 
  A) Appropriate when IV access is not available
  B) Site massage necessary after injection
  C) Not the recommended parenteral route
  D) Amount given no more than 2 mL
  E) Injection deep into the muscle

Question 2

After teaching a group of nursing students about digoxin, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as true regarding the monitoring of plasma digoxin levels? Select all that apply.
 
  A) Levels should be drawn immediately after the dose.
  B) Levels should be drawn immediately before the next dose.
  C) Levels should be drawn 6 to 8 hours after the last dose.
  D) Levels of greater than 2 ng/mL are considered toxic.
  E) Levels are considered therapeutic between 0.5 and 1.5 ng/mL.

[akpaschal]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A, B, D, E
Feedback:
IM injection is not recommended for cardiotonic drugs yet, but they may be given as an IM injection when needed urgently and no IV access is available. When administering a cardiotonic drug IM, the nurse should give the injection deep in the muscle and follow with massage to the site. No more than 2 mL should be injected IM.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B, C, D
Feedback:
Digoxin blood plasma level measurements should be drawn immediately before the next dose or 6 to 8 hours after the last dose regardless of route. Therapeutic digoxin levels are between 0.8 and 2 ng/mL. Plasma digoxin levels greater than 2 ng/mL are considered toxic and are reported to the physician.