A patient asks a nurse why he cannot use digoxin [Lanoxin] for his heart failure, because both of his parents used it for HF. The nurse will explain that digoxin is not the first-line therapy for which reason?
A) It causes tachycardia and increases the cardiac workload.
B) It does not correct the underlying pathology of heart failure.
C) It has a wide therapeutic range that makes dosing difficult.
D) It may actually shorten the patient's life expectancy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Digoxin improves cardiac output, alters electrical effects, and helps to decrease sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system (CNS) through its neurohormonal effects; however, it does not alter the underlying pathology of heart failure or prevent cardiac remodeling. Digoxin causes bradycardia and increases the cardiac workload by increasing contractility. It has a narrow therapeutic range and many adverse effects. Digoxin does not improve life expectancy; in women it may actually shorten life expectancy.

A Patient Asks a Nurse Why He Cannot Use Digoxin