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A patient taking hydrochlorothiazide is also prescribed digoxin. Which lab value should the nurse monitor closely?

A.

Sodium

B.

Magnesium

C.

Calcium

D.

Potassium

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

(A) Sodium: Thiazide diuretics can lower sodium, but hyponatremia does not directly affect digoxin toxicity.

(B) Magnesium: Magnesium is important for cardiac function but not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as potassium.

(C) Calcium: Thiazides can cause hypercalcemia, but calcium does not significantly affect digoxin toxicity.

(D) Potassium: Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) cause potassium loss, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia sensitizes the heart to digoxin’s effects, leading to arrhythmias.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

(A) Severe Dehydration: Prerenal AKI is caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Dehydration leads to hypovolemia, reducing renal perfusion and causing AKI.

(B) Renal Calculi: Postrenal AKI, not prerenal.

(C) Polycystic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease, not acute.

(D) Glomerulonephritis: Intrarenal AKI, due to direct kidney damage

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(A) Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L: Normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), does not indicate CKD.

(B) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL: BUN can fluctuate with hydration status and is not the most specific CKD marker.

(C) Serum creatinine of 5.0 mg/dL: Creatinine is a direct marker of kidney function. A level above 1.2 mg/dL suggests dysfunction, and 5.0 mg/dL is severely elevated, indicating CKD.

(D) Urine specific gravity of 1.015: Falls within the normal range (1.010-1.030), does not indicate CKD.

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