Question

The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. In preparation, laboratory results are reviewed with the following findings: sodium 139 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L, chloride 103 mEq/L, and glucose 106 mg/dL. What should the nurse do next?

A Withhold the daily dose until the following day.
B Withhold the dose and report the potassium level.
C Give the digoxin with a salty snack, such as crackers.
D Give the digoxin with extra fluids to dilute the sodium level.

Answer 1

The nurse should withhold the dose of digoxin and report the high potassium level to the healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the laboratory results, the nurse should withhold the dose of digoxin and report the high potassium level to the healthcare provider. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, and a level of 5.6 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. Administration of digoxin in the presence of high potassium levels can increase the risk of toxicity and potentially lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.