Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking digoxin for heart failure. which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
C. Digoxin level of 2.0 ng/mL
D. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL

Answer 1

The nurse should report the digoxin level of 2.0 ng/mL to the provider because it is at the upper limit of the normal therapeutic range and can indicate potential toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory result that the nurse should report to the provider is C. Digoxin level of 2.0 ng/mL. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and certain types of heart rhythm disorders. It has a narrow therapeutic range, typically between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/mL. A level above this range can be toxic and lead to digoxin toxicity, which is why it is important for the nurse to report this finding to the healthcare provider. The other values mentioned in the options A (Sodium level of 140 mEq/L), B (Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L), and D (Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL) are within normal limits and would not typically require reporting to a provider.