Question

A mother calls the nurse to report that at 0900 she administered a PO dose of digoxin to her 4-month-old infant, but at 0920 the baby vomited the medicine, what instruction should the nurse provide to this mother

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the mother to not administer another dose of digoxin and monitor the infant for symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If the vomiting persists or worsens, the healthcare provider should be contacted.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should inform the mother to not administer another dose of digoxin. Since the baby vomited the medicine within 20 minutes of taking it, it is likely that the dose was not absorbed into the bloodstream. Giving an additional dose could lead to an overdose when the vomited dose is eventually absorbed.

Additionally, the nurse should monitor the infant for any signs or symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or further vomiting. These can be potential side effects of digoxin and could indicate a need for further medical attention.

If the vomiting persists or worsens, the nurse should advise the mother to contact the healthcare provider for further guidance.