Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
A patient who has heart failure recently started taking digoxin in addition to furosemide and captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct answer
A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hypokalemia, which can cause serious complications, especially with digoxin. Weight increase, liver palpation, and edema are concerning but less urgent.