Page 1074 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Box 36-2

Home Care Instructions for Administering
Digoxin

▪ Administer as prescribed.
▪ Use an accurate measuring device as provided by the pharmacist.
▪ Administer 1 hour before or 2 hours after feedings.
▪ Use a calendar to mark off the dose administered.
▪ Do not mix medication with foods or fluid.
▪ If a dose is missed and more than 4 hours has elapsed, withhold the dose and
give the next dose at the scheduled time; if less than 4 hours has elapsed,
administer the missed dose.
▪ If the child vomits, do not administer a second dose. (Follow the pediatrician’s
prescription.)
▪ If more than 2 consecutive doses have been missed, notify the pediatrician; do
not increase or double the dose for missed doses.
▪ If the child has teeth, give water after the medication; if possible, brush the teeth
to prevent tooth decay from the sweetened liquid.
▪ Monitor for signs of toxicity, such as poor feeding or vomiting.
▪ If the child becomes ill, notify the pediatrician.
▪ Keep the medication in a locked cabinet.
▪ Call the Poison Control Center immediately if accidental overdose occurs.

Box 36-3

Signs and Symptoms of Decreased Cardiac Output

▪ Decreased peripheral pulses
▪ Activity intolerance
▪ Feeding difficulties
▪ Hypotension
▪ Irritability, restlessness, lethargy
▪ Oliguria
▪ Pale, cool extremities
▪ Tachycardia

Box 36-4

Interventions for Cardiovascular Defects

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