A nurse is auscultating a client's heart sounds and hears a third heart sound (S3). Which finding is consistent with the presence of an S3 sound in a client with congestive heart failure?

A) This choice is incorrect because while digoxin can impact liver function, it is not the primary parameter to be monitored. Liver function tests may be performed periodically to assess liver health during digoxin therapy.

B) This choice is incorrect because serum sodium levels are not directly impacted by digoxin. However, electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia, can potentiate digoxin toxicity, so potassium levels should be monitored.

C) This choice is correct. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can impact renal function. Monitoring urine output is essential to assess kidney function and the client's response to the medication.

D) This choice is incorrect because blood glucose levels are not specifically impacted by digoxin. However, hypokalemia resulting from digoxin therapy can cause alterations in glucose metabolism, so blood glucose levels should be monitored in clients taking digoxin.

Questions

A) This choice is incorrect because hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood from the respiratory tract, which is not described by the client.

B) This choice is incorrect because dyspnea refers to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, not a dry, persistent cough.

C) This choice is incorrect because paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is characterized by sudden breathlessness that awakens the client from sleep, not a dry cough.

D) This choice is correct. Cardiac asthma is a form of wheezing or coughing that occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs due to congestive heart failure. It is not caused by asthma but is a manifestation of heart failure impacting the respiratory system.

Questions