A nurse in a provider's office is monitoring blood electrolytes for four clients who take digoxin.
Which of the following electrolyte values increases a client's risk for digoxin toxicity?

Terazosin is a medication that belongs to the class of alpha-adrenergic blockers, which relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.It also lowers blood pressure by relaxing the veins and arteries, allowing blood to flow more easily.Therefore, terazosin can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position.To prevent this, the patient should rise slowly and avoid standing for long periods or becoming overheated.

Choice B is wrong because terazosin is not a cure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but a symptom reliever.Stopping the medication may cause the urinary problems to return or worsen.

The patient should continue taking terazosin as prescribed by the doctor, unless advised otherwise.

Choice C is wrong because decreasing fluid intake may increase the risk of dehydration, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney problems.

The patient should drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and flush out the urinary system.

Choice D is wrong because grapefruit juice may interact with terazosin and increase its blood levels, leading to more side effects such as low blood pressure, drowsiness, or headache.

The patient should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking terazosin, or consult the doctor before doing so.

The nurse should contact the provider and ask the patient if they are feeling light headed or dizzy.

Choice A is wrong because administering the medication could worsen the patient’s condition.Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypotension.The patient already has a low serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Giving furosemide could lower the potassium level further and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.The patient also has a significant drop in blood pressure from lying to sitting position, which indicates orthostatic hypotension.Giving furosemide could lower the blood pressure more and cause dizziness, fainting, or falls.

Choice D is wrong because encouraging the patient to get up quickly and walk around could also cause dizziness, fainting, or falls due to orthostatic hypotension.The patient should be advised to change positions slowly and carefully, and to avoid activities that require alertness until their blood pressure stabilizes.

Choice E is wrong because holding the medication without contacting the provider could delay the appropriate treatment for the patient’s fluid retention.The nurse should notify the provider of the patient’s vital signs, laboratory results, and symptoms, and follow their orders regarding the medication dosage or alternative therapy.