A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with a history of heart failure. Which of the following findings should prompt the nurse to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider?
The correct answer is based on understanding that hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can result in serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. When serum potassium is low, the nurse must withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment and management. Elevated liver enzymes and hemoglobin level of 11.8 g/dL, while notable, do not directly contraindicate digoxin administration in this scenario. A heart rate of 82 bpm is within the normal range and does not require withholding the medication.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are the risks associated with low potassium levels when taking digoxin?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is it important to notify the healthcare provider if a patient has a low potassium level?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are normal serum potassium levels, and what does it mean if they are outside this range?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
NCLEX RN
Physiological Integrity
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access