Question

A nurse is collecting data prior to administering digoxin to a client. For which of the following findings should the nurse withhold this medication and notify the provider?

A. Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
B. Heart rate of 60 beats/min
C. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
D. Serum digoxin level of 2 ng/mL

Answer 1

A nurse should withhold digoxin and notify the provider if the serum digoxin level is 2 ng/mL, as this indicates potential toxicity. The given potassium level, heart rate, and blood pressure do not require withholding the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is administering digoxin, there are specific parameters to ensure patient safety. With respect to the provided choices, the medication should be withheld and the provider notified if the serum digoxin level of the client is found to be 2 ng/mL. This level is considered to be at the higher end of the therapeutic window and can be toxic. Appropriate serum potassium levels, as in option A, are critical when administering digoxin, but a level of 3.5 mEq/L is within the normal range and hence not a concern. A heart rate of 60 beats/min (option B) and blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg (option C) are within normal ranges for a resting adult and would not ordinarily contraindicate digoxin administration unless the patient's baseline parameters are significantly different.