PROFESSIONAL NURSING FINAL 2026
CONCEPT BREAKDOWN AND APPLICATION
REVIEW
◉ In assessing a patient before administration of a cardiac glycoside,
the nurse knows that what condition can predispose a patient to
digitalis toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia. Answer: A. Hypokalemia; control ventricular
response to atrial fibrillation and a derived from foxglove. Digoxin is
the only available cardiac glycoside---positive inotropic---inhibits
sodium potassium pump (adenosine tripphophatase) Sodium and
calcium rise. Cholinergic stimulation via the vagus nerve of
Parasympathetic nervous system. ---Negative chronotropic---
Negative Dromotropic effect
◉ While assessing a patient who is receiving intravenous digitalis,
the nurse recognizes that the drug has a negative chronotropic
effect. How would this drug effect be evident in the patient?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased heart rate
,C. Decreased conduction
D. Increased ectopic beats. Answer: B. Decreased heart rate
◉ A patient has been taking digoxin at home but has taken an
accidental overdose and has developed toxicity. He has been
admitted to the telemetry unit where the physician has ordered
digoxin immune Fab (Digibind). The patient asks the nurse why the
medication is ordered. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "It works faster than digoxin."
B. "It is safer than digoxin and can be taken orally."
C. "It helps to convert the irregular heart rhythm to a more normal
rhythm."
D. "This drug is an antidote to digoxin and will help to lower the
blood levels.". Answer: D. "This drug is an antidote to digoxin and
will help to lower the blood levels." (severe bradycardia, advanced
heart block, ventricularr tachycardia, fibrillation, and
hyperkalemia); available in parental form. Clinical signs and
symptoms are monitored NOT serum levels----used for systolic heart
failure and atrial fibrillation.
◉ 5. A patient has been placed on a milrinone infusion as part of the
therapy for end-stage heart failure. What risks involved with this
drug will the nurse keep in mind while assessing this patient during
the infusion?
A. Hypertension
,B. Hyperkalemia
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias. Answer: D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
(contraindictated with ventricular tachycardia, and fibrillation) used
for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Available in Oral and injection
form.
◉ 6. A patient with atrial fibrillation was started on digoxin, and 1
week later a digoxin level was drawn. Which result is within normal
therapeutic levels for digoxin?
A. 0.4 ng/mL
B. 0.7 ng/mL
C. 2.1 ng/mL
D. 2.6 ng/mL or higher. Answer: B. 0.7 ng/mL (normal 0.5 to 2.0
ng/mL
◉ 7. When reviewing the list of medications taken by a patient who
will be receiving a new prescription for digoxin, the nurse would be
concerned about which medication that may interact with the
digoxin?
A. aspirin
B. acetaminophen (Tylenol)
C. furosemide (Lasix)
, D. vitamin K. Answer: C. furosemide (Lasix); (loop Diuretics);
numerous ones on page 341
◉ 8. The nurse is reviewing discharge teaching for a patient who will
be taking digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy. The patient should be taught to
avoid which foods when taking the digoxin?
A. Leafy green vegetables
B. Dairy products
C. Grapefruit juice
D. Bran muffins. Answer: D. Bran muffins
◉ 9. In assessing a patient before administration of a cardiac
glycoside, the nurse knows that which lab result can increase the
toxicity of the drug?
A. Potassium level 2.8 mEq/L
B. Potassium level 4.9 mEq/L
C. Sodium level 140 mEq/L
D. Calcium level 10 mg/dL. Answer: A. Potassium level 2.8 mEq/L
(low potassium normal is 3.5 to 5.0)
◉ 10. The nurse administering the phosphodiesterase inhibitor
inamrinone recognizes that this drug should have a positive
inotropic effect. This effect will result in increased
A. heart rate.