Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which statement by the parent indicates the desired therapeutic effect of digoxin for their infant with heart failure?

1. My baby is breathing easier than she used to.

2. My baby is taking longer naps.

3. My baby is having fewer wet diapers.

4. My baby's heart rate is faster than it used to be.

The correct answer is: My baby is breathing easier than she used to.

The statement indicating the desired therapeutic effect of digoxin is the observation that the baby is breathing easier than before. Digoxin works by improving the efficiency of the heart, allowing it to pump blood more effectively, which alleviates symptoms of heart failure. One of the common manifestations of heart failure is difficulty in breathing due to fluid overload or insufficient cardiac output. When digoxin is effective, it typically results in improved respiratory status, as the heart's ability to deliver adequate blood flow reduces respiratory distress. Other statements do not reflect the intended impact of digoxin. Longer naps might suggest lethargy or excess sedation, which is not desirable. Fewer wet diapers could indicate decreased urine output, a potential sign of worsening heart failure or inadequate renal perfusion, and is not a positive sign. A faster heart rate may suggest tachycardia or increased demand on the heart, which does not correlate with the therapeutic goals of digoxin in managing heart failure. Therefore, the correct response reflects improvement in respiratory function, which is a key therapeutic goal in treating infants with heart failure.