A client with heart disease is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) and complains of having no appetite, diarrhea, and blurry vision. The nurse notes that the client's serum potassium (K) level is 3.0 ng/mL. Based on analysis of the data, what might the nurse anticipate assessing when reviewing the digoxin level results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, along with a low serum potassium level, suggest digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms (such as no appetite and diarrhea), visual disturbances (like blurry vision), and elevated digoxin levels (higher than 2 ng/mL).

A Client with Heart Disease Is Taking Digoxin (Lanoxin) and Complains