Question

The nurse is working in a long-term care facility with a group of older adults with cardiac disorders. Why would it be important for the nurse to closely monitor an older adult receiving digitalis preparations for cardiac disorders?

1) Older adults are at increased risk for hyperthyroidism.
2) Older adults are at increased risk for toxicity.
3) Older adults are at increased risk for asthma.
4) Older adults are at increased risk for cardiac arrests.

Answer 1

Older adults receiving digitalis for cardiac disorders must be closely monitored due to an increased risk for digitalis toxicity, influenced by factors like decreased kidney function and altered electrolyte levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important for the nurse to closely monitor an older adult receiving digitalis preparations for cardiac disorders because older adults are at increased risk for toxicity. Digitalis, a medication used to treat various heart conditions, has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the range between an effective dose and a toxic dose is quite small. The risks of toxicity are higher for older adults because they often have decreased kidney function which impairs the body's ability to eliminate the drug, thus leading to accumulation in the body. Furthermore, older adults may have altered sodium and potassium levels due to various factors, including medications and comorbid conditions, which can increase susceptibility to digitalis toxicity.