Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
A nurse is monitoring laboratory values for a client who has chronic heart failure and is receiving digoxin. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Potassium 2.9 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can predispose the client to digoxin toxicity, leading to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin binding to cardiac tissue, enhancing its toxic effects. The nurse should report this value to the provider immediately for prompt intervention to prevent complications.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Sodium 1.38 mEq/dL - Low sodium levels are not directly related to digoxin toxicity.
B: Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L - While magnesium levels are important for cardiac function, they are not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as potassium.
C: BUN level 10 mg/dL - BUN levels are not specific indicators of digoxin toxicity.
Summary: Potassium levels are crucial to monitor in clients taking digoxin due to the risk of toxicity. Sodium, magnesium, and BUN levels are important but not as
Incorrect Choices:
A: Sodium 1.38 mEq/dL - Low sodium levels are not directly related to digoxin toxicity.
B: Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L - While magnesium levels are important for cardiac function, they are not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as potassium.
C: BUN level 10 mg/dL - BUN levels are not specific indicators of digoxin toxicity.
Summary: Potassium levels are crucial to monitor in clients taking digoxin due to the risk of toxicity. Sodium, magnesium, and BUN levels are important but not as