NURS 2004 Chapter Notes - Chapter 48: Tachycardia, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea, Cardiotoxicity
28 Jan 2017
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Chapter 48 drugs for heart failure nursing implications. Therapeutic goal: digoxin is used to treat hf and dysrhythmias. Be sure to confirm which disorder the drug has been ordered for. Baseline data: assess for signs and symptoms of hf, including fatigue, weakness, cough, breathing difficulty (orthopnea, dyspnea on exertion, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), jugular distension, and edema. Determine baseline values for maximal activity without symptoms, activity that regularly causes symptoms, and maximal tolerated activity. Laboratory tests should include an ecg, serum electrolytes, measurement of ejection fraction, and evaluation of kidney function. Identify high risk patients: digoxin is contraindicated for patients experiencing ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or digoxin toxicity. Exercise caution in the presence of conditions that can predispose the patient to serious adverse responses to digoxin, such as hypokalemia, partial av block, advanced hf, or renal impairment. Oral determine heart rate and rhythm before administration.
