A nurse is caring for an infant who has heart failure and vomited following administration of digoxin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Vomiting after administering digoxin could be a sign of digoxin toxicity or intolerance. Before giving another dose, it is crucial to assess the infant’s condition, check for signs of digoxin toxicity, and consult with the healthcare provider. Administering the next dose without addressing the underlying issue could worsen the situation. B. Mixing digoxin with a large volume of formula is not recommended. Digoxin should be administered in precise doses, and diluting it in such a large volume could lead to inaccuracies in dosing. Furthermore, mixing medication with formula does not address the issue of vomiting or potential toxicity. C. While giving an antiemetic might seem like a solution to vomiting, it does not address the root cause of the vomiting, which could be related to digoxin toxicity or another issue. The first step should be to assess the situation and determine if the vomiting is related to digoxin levels, and then consult with the healthcare provider. They may recommend appropriate interventions based on the infant’s condition. D. Increasing fluid intake might be beneficial to prevent dehydration from vomiting, but it does not address the potential underlying cause of the vomiting, which could be related to digoxin toxicity. It is important to focus on the underlying cause and consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate action. Managing fluid intake alone does not resolve the issue with digoxin or its side effects.