During a pre-nursing pharmacology class, the students learn about cardiac medications. When administering a cardiac glycoside or digitalis to a client with tachycardia, when would the students learn to withhold the dose until the physician is consulted?
A) The client's pulse pressure is 35 mm Hg.
B) The client's pulse pressure is 50 mm Hg.
C) The client's heart rate is 50 beats per minute.
D) The client's heart rate is 100 beats per minute.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Digitalis is a cardiac glycoside used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate. However, if the client's heart rate is already dangerously low (less than 60 beats per minute), the administration of digitalis could cause further slowing and potentially harm the client. Therefore, the dose should be withheld and the physician consulted before administering the medication. A pulse pressure of 35 mm Hg or 50 mm Hg does not indicate the need to withhold the medication.

During a Pre-Nursing Pharmacology Class, the Students Learn About Cardiac