Question

A patient receiving digoxin and parenteral nutrition who is experiencing signs of digoxin toxicity should be assessed for

1: hypokalemia.
2: hypocalcemia.
3: hypermagnesemia.
4: hypophosphatemia.

Answer 1

A patient with signs of digoxin toxicity while receiving parenteral nutrition should be assessed for hypokalemia, as low potassium levels can worsen the toxicity and lead to serious heart complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient receiving digoxin and parenteral nutrition who is experiencing signs of digoxin toxicity should be assessed for hypokalemia. This condition entails abnormally decreased blood levels of potassium, which can impact the effectiveness of digoxin and thus contributes to its toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is closely related to potassium levels because the medication can increase sensitivity to the effects of reduced potassium, potentially resulting in cardiac dysrhythmias. Since digoxin and potassium both affect the heart, and in the context of digoxin therapy, hypokalemia can exacerbate the toxic effects of the drug and lead to serious complications such as arrhythmias.