(2026) Q&A
1. A nurse is teaching a patient about a new prescription for digoxin. Which
statement indicates the patient understands the teaching?
A) "I will take my pulse before each dose."
B) "I should take this medication with an antacid."
C) "I can stop taking this once my heart rate is normal."
D) "I will increase my dose if I feel palpitations."
Correct Answer: "I will take my pulse before each dose."
Rationale: Patients on digoxin should be taught to monitor their pulse before each
dose and report a rate below 60 or above 100 beats per minute. Antacids decrease
digoxin absorption. The medication should never be stopped abruptly or the dose
increased without prov ider guidance. This teaching is essential for preventing
digoxin toxicity.
2. Which finding is an early indicator of digoxin toxicity?
A) Visual disturbances such as yellow - green halos
B) Bradycardia and fatigue
C) Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia
D) Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia
,Rationale: Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are often the earliest signs of digoxin
toxicity. Visual disturbances and bradycardia occur later. Hyperkalemia is not an
indicator of digoxin toxicity; hypokalemia increases the risk. Early recognition
allows for prompt int ervention.
3. A patient is receiving intravenous potassium chloride. Which action is essential
before administration?
A) Verify adequate urine output
B) Administer a bolus rapidly
C) Mix the potassium with dextrose 5% in water
D) Place the patient in a supine position
Correct Answer: Verify adequate urine output
Rationale: Potassium should not be administered until adequate urine output is
confirmed (at least 30 mL/hour) to prevent hyperkalemia. IV potassium must never
be given as a bolus; it must be diluted and infused at a controlled rate. Mixing with
dextrose can worsen hyperkalemia initially.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient receiving heparin?
A) INR of 2.5
B) Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
C) Sudden onset of back pain and hypotension
D) Bruise at the injection site
Correct Answer: Sudden onset of back pain and hypotension
, Rationale: Sudden back pain and hypotension may indicate retroperitoneal
bleeding, a serious complication of heparin therapy. An INR of 2.5 is therapeutic for
warfarin, not heparin. A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within normal limits, and a
bruise at the injecti on site is expected.
5. Which medication is the antidote for opioid - induced respiratory depression?
A) Flumazenil
B) Naloxone
C) Protamine sulfate
D) Vitamin K
Correct Answer: Naloxone
Rationale: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses respiratory depression
caused by opioids. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines, not opioids. Protamine
reverses heparin, and vitamin K reverses warfarin. Prompt administration of
naloxone is essential to preve nt respiratory arrest.
6. A patient is scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. Which preoperative
finding requires immediate notification of the anesthesia provider?
A) Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg
B) History of malignant hyperthermia in a sibling
C) Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
D) Mild anxiety about surgery
Correct Answer: History of malignant hyperthermia in a sibling