LPN Fundamentals Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir to a 6-month-old with a congenital heart defect. The nurse auscultates an apical pulse rate of 100. The nurse should:

  • A. Record the heart rate and call the physician
  • B. Record the heart rate and administer the medication
  • C. Administer the medication and recheck the heart rate in 15 minutes
  • D. Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 30 minutes
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: For a 6-month-old, an apical pulse of 100 beats per minute falls within the normal range (80-150 bpm), indicating it's safe to administer digoxin, a cardiac glycoside for heart defects, without delay. Recording and calling the physician or holding the dose isn't warranted unless the rate drops below 90-100 bpm (per pediatric guidelines). Rechecking post-administration isn't standard unless symptoms arise. Nurses document and proceed, ensuring timely therapy while monitoring for toxicity signs like bradycardia later.