A patient has recently started taking oral digoxin (Lanoxin) in addition to furosemide (Lasix) and captopril (Capoten) for control of heart failure. Which assessment finding by the home health nurse is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia can predispose the patient to life-threatening dysrhythmias (e.g., premature ventricular contractions), and potentiate the actions of digoxin and increase the risk for digoxin toxicity, which also can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias. The other data indicate that the patient's heart failure requires more effective therapies, but they do not require nursing action as rapidly as the low serum potassium level.

A Patient Has Recently Started Taking Oral Digoxin (Lanoxin) in Addition