A mother calls the nurse to report that at 0900 she administered an oral dose of digoxin to her 4-month-old infant, but at 0920 the baby vomited the medicine. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this mother?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Mixing the next dose with food is not recommended because digoxin is better absorbed on an empty stomach and food may interfere with its absorption. Additionally, this option does not address the immediate issue of the infant vomiting after the dose.Choice B reason: Administering a half dose is not appropriate because it may lead to incorrect dosing and potential under-treatment or toxicity. The exact dose must be given according to medical guidelines.Choice C reason: Withholding the dose is the best course of action. If an infant vomits after receiving a dose of medication, particularly a critical one like digoxin, it is essential to wait until the next scheduled dose to avoid potential overdose or toxic effects.Choice D reason: Giving another dose is not recommended because it could lead to toxicity, especially considering the infant might have partially absorbed the initial dose before vomiting.