ATI RN Maternal Newborn 2023/24 1st Attempt & Retake Related

Review ATI RN Maternal Newborn 2023/24 1st Attempt & Retake related questions and content

A nurse is reviewing the prescriptions for a client who is pregnant and is taking digoxin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to best evaluate the client’s medication adherence?

  • A. Ask the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed.
  • B. Assess the client’s kidney function.
  • C. Determine the client’s apical pulse rate.
  • D. Check the client’s serum medication level.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the client's serum medication level. This is the best way to evaluate medication adherence for a client taking digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, so checking the serum level helps determine if the client is taking the medication as prescribed. If the level is within the therapeutic range, it indicates adherence. Asking the client if they are taking the medication (A) relies on self-reporting, which may not be accurate. Assessing kidney function (B) and determining apical pulse rate (C) are important for monitoring digoxin therapy but do not directly assess medication adherence. Checking the serum medication level provides objective data to confirm adherence.