Final answer:
The correct answer is C. Decreased heart rate, which is a potential side effect of digoxin therapy. Patients should monitor for this effect, as it can indicate digoxin toxicity, which requires prompt medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse instructing a client who is about to start therapy with digoxin should advise them to monitor and report several potential side effects. Digoxin is a medication used to treat various heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sometimes heart failure that cannot be controlled by other medication. It works by increasing the force of the heart muscle's contractions, which can help to improve circulation and reduce symptoms. However, digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause significant side effects if the dosage is not appropriately adjusted.
Side effects to monitor while on digoxin therapy:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
- Muscular problems
Among the provided options, the correct answer is C. Decreased heart rate (also known as bradycardia). This is a common side effect of digoxin and is important to monitor because it can be an indication of digoxin toxicity. Other symptoms such as yellowing of the skin could suggest liver issues and are not typically associated with digoxin. While low blood pressure can occur, it's not as direct of an indicator to monitor for digoxin toxicity as a decreased heart rate is. Increased appetite is usually not related to digoxin use.