The nurse is caring for a client with digoxin toxicity. Which findings are consistent with this diagnosis? Select all that apply.
Abdominal distension
Digoxin level 4.1 ng/ml (0.8-2.0ng/ml)
Blurry vision
Increased platelet level
Arrhythmia
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
a. Abdominal distension: Abdominal distension can occur in cases of severe digoxin toxicity due to its effects on gastrointestinal motility. Digoxin toxicity can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, which can contribute to abdominal distension. Therefore, abdominal distension is consistent with digoxin toxicity.
b. Digoxin level 4.1 ng/ml (0.8-2.0ng/ml): Digoxin levels above the therapeutic range (0.8-2.0 ng/ml) indicate digoxin toxicity. A level of 4.1 ng/ml is significantly higher than the therapeutic range, confirming digoxin toxicity.
c. Blurry vision: Blurry vision is a common symptom of digoxin toxicity. Visual disturbances, such as yellow or green halos around lights or changes in color vision, can occur due to digoxin's effects on the optic nerve. Therefore, blurry vision is consistent with digoxin toxicity.
d. Increased platelet level: Digoxin toxicity typically does not cause an increase in platelet levels. Instead, it can lead to thrombocytopenia (a decrease in platelet levels) due to its effects on bone marrow function. Therefore, increased platelet levels are not consistent with digoxin toxicity.
e. Arrhythmia: Digoxin toxicity can cause various cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, experiencing arrhythmias is consistent with digoxin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Based on the expected changes in hyperventilation related to anxiety, option b (pH 7.47, PaCO2 25 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L) is the most consistent with respiratory alkalosis, which occurs due to hyperventilation:
a. pH 7.49, PaCO2 36 mmHg, HCO3 31 mEq/L:
- The pH is higher than the normal range, indicating alkalosis.
- The PaCO2 is within the normal range (slightly elevated), which is unexpected in hyperventilation where PaCO2 is typically decreased.
- The HCO3 is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis, which is not typically associated with hyperventilation related to anxiety.
b. pH 7.47, PaCO2 25 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L:
- The pH is higher than the normal range, indicating alkalosis.
- The PaCO2 is below the normal range, indicating respiratory alkalosis, which is consistent with hyperventilation.
- The HCO3 is within the normal range, which can occur as a compensatory mechanism for respiratory alkalosis.
c. pH 7.32, PaCO2 41 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L:
- The pH is lower than the normal range, indicating acidosis.
- The PaCO2 is within the normal range, which is unexpected in hyperventilation where PaCO2 is typically decreased.
- The HCO3 is within the normal range, indicating compensated metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with hyperventilation related to anxiety.
d. pH 7.30, PaCO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L:
- The pH is lower than the normal range, indicating acidosis.
- The PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, which is not typically associated with hyperventilation.
- The HCO3 is within the normal range, which can occur as a compensatory mechanism for respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Kussmaul respirations: Metabolic acidosis leads to an accumulation of acids in the body, resulting in compensatory hyperventilation to try to decrease the levels of carbon dioxide and increase pH. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, and labored breathing patterns characteristic of this compensation mechanism.
b. Muscle spasms: While muscle spasms can occur in various conditions, they are not specific to metabolic acidosis. Other factors, such as electrolyte imbalances or dehydration, may cause muscle spasms.
c. Paresthesia in fingers: Paresthesia (tingling or numbness) in the fingers can occur due to metabolic acidosis. Acidosis affects nerve function, leading to abnormal sensations in the extremities. It is not specific to metabolic acidosis.
d. Tinnitus: Tinnitus is not typically associated with metabolic acidosis. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as ototoxicity, Meniere's disease, or vascular disorders affecting the inner ear.
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