PN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2020 A Related

Review PN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2020 A related questions and content

A client with congestive heart failure taking digoxin reports nausea and refuses to eat breakfast. Which action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Encourage the client to eat the toast on the breakfast tray.
  • B. Administer an antiemetic.
  • C. Inform the client's provider.
  • D. Check the client's apical pulse.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to check the client's apical pulse. Nausea can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, and one of the early signs of digoxin toxicity is changes in the pulse rate. By checking the client's apical pulse, the nurse can assess if the digoxin level is too high. Encouraging the client to eat or administering an antiemetic may not address the underlying issue of digoxin toxicity. While informing the provider is important, assessing the client's condition through checking the apical pulse should be the immediate priority.