During a home visit to an 88-year-old client who is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily to help control the rate or atrial fi
brillation, you obtain this assessment information. Which finding is most important to communicate to the healthcare provider? 1. The client's apical pulse is 68 beats/min and irregularly irregular.
2. The client takes the digoxin with meals.
3. The client's vision is becoming fuzzy.
4. The client has lung crackles that clear after coughing.
Answer: 1- The client's apical pulse is 68 beats/min and irregularly irregular
Explanation:
Option one is the most important finding because, although it showed apical pulse rate of 68, which is still within the normal range of 60-100, It pointed out that the pulse rate is irregularly irregular.which may be an indication of possible heart failure.
Besides, atrial fibrillation was explained with this option with the use of the words (irregularly irregular) ,and the use of digoxin to speed heart rate.Therefore , indication of heart failure should be the main sign by the healthcare provider.
A patient in the recovery room after cardiac surgery begins to have extremity paresthesia, peaked T waves, and mental confusion. What type of electrolyte imbalance does the nurse suspect this patient is having? -Potassium
