A nurse is caring for a 65-year-old male client in a cardiac clinic. The client was recently discharged from an acute hospital stay for worsening heart failure. Below are the exhibits related to the client’s condition:
Exhibit 1: Nurses’ Notes 2 Weeks Ago
The client was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago with worsening heart failure. He was experiencing significant shortness of breath, fatigue, and 2+ edema on bilateral lower extremities. Upon auscultation, an S3 heart sound was noted, and occasional expiratory wheezing was present. The client was managed with furosemide, captopril, and metoprolol at home, but these medications were not sufficient to control his symptoms.
Exhibit 2: Nurses’ Notes Today
The client reports some improvement in shortness of breath with exertion but continues to feel fatigued. Upon auscultation, an S3 heart sound is still noted, and lung sounds are clear. The client has 1+ edema on the ankles and reports nausea, constipation, and blurred vision.
Exhibit 3: History and Physical
The client was discharged from the hospital two days ago after being treated for worsening heart failure. During the hospitalization, he was prescribed digoxin and a potassium supplement in addition to his existing medications. The client will return to the office in two weeks to review lab work and medication management.
Exhibit 4: Laboratory Results Today
- Digoxin: 2.2 ng/mL (0.8 to 2 ng/mL)
- Potassium: 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
Exhibit 5: Vital Signs Today
- Temperature: 36.8°C (98.2°F)
- Heart rate: 55/min
- Respiratory rate: 16/min
- Blood pressure: 110/80 mm Hg
- Oxygen saturation: 96% on room air
Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client may be experiencing digoxin toxicity. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
Digoxin: 2.2 ng/mL (0.8 to 2 ng/mL)
Heart rate: 55/min
nausea
constipation
blurred vision
being treated for worsening heart failure
an S3 heart sound was noted, and occasional expiratory wheezing was present
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
The findings that indicate the client may be experiencing digoxin toxicity are:
- Digoxin level: 2.2 ng/mL (above the therapeutic range of 0.8 to 2 ng/mL)
- Heart rate: 55/min (bradycardia, which can be a sign of digoxin toxicity)
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
These symptoms and lab results are consistent with digoxin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count, increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage when receiving heparin.
Choice B rationale
Neutropenia, a low white blood cell count, does not directly increase the risk of hemorrhage. It is more related to infection risk.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia, low potassium levels, does not directly indicate a risk for hemorrhage. It can cause other complications but not specifically bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Fever is not a direct indicator of hemorrhage risk. It may indicate infection or other inflammatory processes.
Choice E rationale
Hyperglycemia, high blood sugar levels, does not indicate a risk for hemorrhage. It is more related to diabetes management.
Choice F rationale
Dark stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a sign of hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor used to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes but does not specifically slow the progression of nephropathy.
Choice B rationale
Glipizide is a sulfonylurea that helps control blood sugar levels but does not have a direct effect on slowing nephropathy progression.
Choice C rationale
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension but does not specifically target nephropathy progression.
Choice D rationale
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps manage hypertension and has been shown to slow the progression of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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