A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who has heart failure and is taking digoxin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the client is experiencing digoxin toxicity?
"I am constipated."
"My vision seems yellow
"My tongue is red and beefy."
"I am gaining weight."
The Correct Answer is B
A. "I am constipated." Constipation is not a common indicator of digoxin toxicity; it may be more related to diet or other medications.
B. "My vision seems yellow." Yellow or blurred vision, also called xanthopsia, is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity and should be reported immediately.
C. "My tongue is red and beefy." A red and beefy tongue may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency, not digoxin toxicity.
D. "I am gaining weight." Weight gain is usually a sign of fluid retention or worsening heart failure, not specifically digoxin toxicity.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Shortness of breath while lying down. Shortness of breath when lying down, or orthopnea, is common in left-sided heart failure due to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion.
B. Jugular venous distention. Jugular venous distention is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to systemic venous congestion.
C. Right upper quadrant pain. Right upper quadrant pain is associated with liver congestion due to right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
D. Pitting edema of the lower legs. Pitting edema is a symptom of right-sided heart failure, as fluid backs up into the peripheral circulation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal. Although rest can help with nausea, it does not address the potential issue of digoxin toxicity, which can cause nausea.
B. Check the client's vital signs. Checking vital signs, especially heart rate, is the priority because nausea can indicate digoxin toxicity, which affects heart function.
C. Request a dietary consult. A dietary consult may be helpful if the client continues to refuse meals, but it does not address the immediate potential for digoxin toxicity.
D. Request an order for an antiemetic. Although an antiemetic may help with nausea, assessing for toxicity takes priority.