Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following factors predisposes this client to developing digoxin toxicity?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Taking a high-ceiling diuretic. High-ceiling diuretics, like furosemide, can lead to hypokalemia by increasing potassium excretion, which can potentiate the risk of digoxin toxicity as digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the myocardial cell membrane. Therefore, when a client is taking digoxin along with a high-ceiling diuretic, the risk of digoxin toxicity increases. The other choices, B, C, and D, do not directly predispose the client to digoxin toxicity. HMG COA reductase inhibitors are used to lower cholesterol levels and do not interact with digoxin. COPD and a prolapsed mitral valve are unrelated to the risk of digoxin toxicity.