Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What instruction should be included for parents of a preschooler prescribed digoxin?

1. Use a kitchen teaspoon to measure the medication.

2. Brush the child's teeth after giving the medication.

3. Double the next dose if the child misses a dose.

4. Repeat the dose if the child vomits.

The correct answer is: Brush the child's teeth after giving the medication.

When a preschooler is prescribed digoxin, it is important for parents to understand that brushing the child's teeth after administering the medication can help maintain oral hygiene and prevent any potential adverse effects on dental health. Digoxin can be quite sticky and potent, and remnants left in the mouth might contribute to cavities or other dental issues. Therefore, encouraging a post-medication oral care routine can be beneficial for the child's overall health. The other answer options present specific misconceptions about the management of this medication. For instance, using a kitchen teaspoon to measure digoxin could lead to inaccurate dosing, as kitchen utensils are not reliable for measuring liquid medications. Doubling a missed dose can risk toxicity, as consistent dosing is critical in maintaining therapeutic levels of digoxin, and it is important to follow a specific protocol if a dose is missed. In case of vomiting, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider rather than simply repeating the dose, as the absorption of the medication may be affected.