During clinical pre-conference, the student nurse needs to perform a 5-minute presentation on heart failure. As part of the discussion, he/she has to talk about information to include in a teaching plan for a patient who is receiving Digoxin. The patient will also be receiving Milrinone, during the clinical day.
a. What is the pathophysiologic process of heart failure and the resultant clinical signs?
b. What are the therapeutic actions and indications for Digoxin?
c. What are the most common adverse reactions for Milrinone?
d. What cautions exist regarding concurrent administration of Digoxin and Milrinone?
e. What important teaching points need to be included for a patient receiving Digoxin?
f. For a patient being treated for intermittent GI distress, what teaching does the nurse need to include when discussing the use of GI medications along with digoxin therapy?