The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient who has HF. The patient reports nausea, vomiting, and visual halos around objects. The nurse notes a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute, a heart rate of 58 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 120/78 mm Hg. What will the nurse do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms reported by the patient (nausea, vomiting, and visual halos) as well as the vital signs (heart rate of 58 beats per minute) may indicate digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should hold the dose and notify the provider for further instructions. Administering the next dose could worsen the toxicity, and reassuring the patient is not appropriate. There is no indication for an antiemetic or an analgesic medication in this case.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Administer Digoxin to a Patient