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Nurse is assessing older adult client who has heart failure and takes Digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as an indication of Digoxin toxicity?

A. Hypertension
B. Restlessness
C. Weight gain
D. Bradycardia

User Shaun Neal
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should recognize bradycardia as an indication of Digoxin toxicity in an older adult client with heart failure who is taking Digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window and bradycardia is a serious side effect indicating potential toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is assessing an older adult client with heart failure who takes Digoxin. Among the listed options, the one that the nurse should recognize as an indication of Digoxin toxicity is D. Bradycardia. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that there is a fine line between an effective dose and a toxic one. Symptoms of Digoxin toxicity can include visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and significant cardiac effects such as bradycardia, which is an abnormally slow heart rate.

It is essential that healthcare professionals monitor levels of Digoxin in the blood, as well as watching out for clinical signs of toxicity. Bradycardia can be symptomatic of several issues but when associated with a patient with heart failure on Digoxin, it is a particular concern as a potential indicator of Digoxin toxicity.

User PyAddict
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