Chapter 40

Question 1

What are the side effects of digoxin, even at therapeutic levels?

Answer 1

Bradycardia, cardiac dysrhythmias, anorexia, n/v, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, blurred or yellow vision

Question 2

What is the antidote for digoxin

Answer 2

Digoxin immune fab

Question 3

Higher than a ___ is likely a toxic indicator for digoxin

Answer 3

2.0 ng/mL

Question 4

What is the general therapeutic range for digoxin?

Answer 4

0.-5 2.0 ng/mL

Question 5

What is the preferred therapeutic range of digoxin for heart failure?

Answer 5

0.5 - 0.9 ng/mL

Question 6

How often should dig levels be drawn?

Answer 6

6 to 8 hrs after the last dose

Question 7

What is an electrolyte imbalance that needs to be monitored with digoxin toxicity?

Answer 7

Hypokalemia

Question 8

What pulse rate needs to be ascertained before administering digoxin?

Answer 8

apical pulse, should not be lower than 60

Question 9

Calcium channel blockers like verapamil, diltiazem ___ digoxin levels

Answer 9

increase

Question 10

What kind of diuretics increase the risk of digoxin toxicity indirectly?

Answer 10

Loop and thiazide diuretics because they cause hypokalemia

Question 11

Always check ___________ when a patient is on digoxin, especially if they start or stop interacting drugs.

Answer 11

Kidney function and electrolyte levels

Question 12

What are the most common side effects of nitroglycerin?

Answer 12

Headache, flushing, dizziness/lightheadedness, orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope

Question 13

What is nitroglycerin taken for?

Answer 13

angina

Question 14

Advise patient not to ingest ______ while taking nitroglycerin.

Answer 14

alcohol

Question 15

Position the patient ________ when administering a nitrate for the first time.

Answer 15

sitting or lying down

Question 16

Monitor vital signs and especially ________ when a patient is on nitroglycerin

Answer 16

hypotension

Question 17

The nurse should teach the patient to report which of the following to the health care provider immediately if experienced after taking nitroglycerin?
Dizziness
Faintness
Headache
Persistent pain

Answer 17

Persistent pain

Question 18

How should oral antidysrhythmics be taken?

Answer 18

At the same time everyday

Question 19

What should be monitored when giving antidysrhythmics?

Answer 19

Heart rate, blood pressure, palpitations

Question 20

What are the electrolytes that should definitely be watched out for when administering antidysrhythmics?

Answer 20

potassium and magnesium

Question 21

When should immediate help be seeked by patients that are taking antidysrhythmic?

Answer 21

New/worsened chest pain

Question 22

Advise patient to avoid ______ when on antidysrhythmic

Answer 22

alcohol, caffeine, tobacco

Question 23

What does propranolol block?

Answer 23

Beta 1 adrenergic receptors in the heart
Beta 2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs

Question 24

What would I use propranolol for?

Answer 24

angina, arrythmias, hypertension