Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

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Multiple Choice

What is the priority nursing assessment for a client who is about to begin digoxin therapy?

Evaluating the client's respiratory rate

Checking the client's body temperature

Monitoring the client's blood glucose levels

Assessing the client's heart rate and rhythm

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the purpose of digoxin therapy: Digoxin is a medication used to treat certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. It works by affecting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which influences cardiac contractility and heart rate.

Recognize the primary effects of digoxin: The drug increases the force of heart contractions and slows down the heart rate. This makes it crucial to monitor the heart's function closely when starting therapy.

Identify the key assessment related to digoxin: Since digoxin directly affects heart rate and rhythm, the priority nursing assessment is to monitor these parameters. This helps in detecting any potential adverse effects, such as bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) or arrhythmias.

Consider the potential side effects: Digoxin can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and visual disturbances, but the most critical concern is its effect on the heart. Therefore, assessing heart rate and rhythm is essential to ensure patient safety.

Implement the assessment: Use a stethoscope to auscultate the apical pulse for one full minute to accurately assess the heart rate and rhythm before administering digoxin. This step is crucial to determine if the medication is safe to give, based on the patient's current heart rate.