NGN and All Questions and Answers
Original PN Pharmacology NGN Practice Exam
Section A: NGN Case Study
Client Scenario:
Mr. J, age 72, is admitted with heart failure exacerbation. He takes:
• Digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily
• Furosemide 40 mg PO daily
• Lisinopril 10 mg PO daily
• Metoprolol succinate 25 mg PO daily
Assessment findings:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reports “yellow-green halos” around lights
• Confusion
• HR 52 bpm
• BP 98/60 mm Hg
• K+ 3.1 mEq/L
• Digoxin level 2.4 ng/mL
,Item 1
Which findings are cues that indicate possible digoxin toxicity? Select all that apply.
A. Nausea and vomiting
B. Visual halos
C. Confusion
D. HR 52 bpm
E. K+ 3.1 mEq/L
F. Digoxin level 2.4 ng/mL
Answer: A, B, C, D, E, F
Rationale: Digoxin toxicity can cause GI symptoms, visual disturbances, confusion, bradycardia,
and dysrhythmias. Hypokalemia increases the risk of toxicity. A digoxin level of 2.4 ng/mL is
elevated/toxic, especially with symptoms.
Item 2
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled digoxin dose
B. Hold digoxin and notify the provider
C. Encourage potassium-rich foods
D. Recheck the blood pressure in 1 hour
Answer: B
Rationale: The client has signs of digoxin toxicity. The priority is to hold the medication and
notify the provider. Administering more digoxin could worsen toxicity.
, Item 3
Which prescription should the nurse question?
A. Obtain a serum digoxin level
B. Administer digoxin 0.125 mg PO now
C. Monitor potassium level
D. Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring
Answer: B
Rationale: The client is symptomatic with an elevated digoxin level. The nurse should question
any order to administer more digoxin.
Item 4
Which lab value should be corrected to reduce the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Sodium 134 mEq/L
B. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
C. Hemoglobin 13.2 g/dL
D. BUN 18 mg/dL
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases myocardial sensitivity to digoxin and raises the risk of toxicity.
Potassium should be replaced as prescribed.