Question

A patient is receiving digoxin 0.25 mg daily as part of treatment for heart failure. The nurse assesses the patient before medication administration. Which assessment finding would be of most concern?

a. Apical heart rate of 58 beats/min
b. Ankle edema +1 bilaterally
c. Serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L
d. Serum digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL

Answer 1

A serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is most concerning for a patient on digoxin, as it increases the risk of toxicity and arrhythmias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding of most concern for a patient receiving digoxin for heart failure is c. Serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. This is because digoxin's effects are closely related to potassium levels, and a low level (<3.0 mEq/L) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, which is dangerous and can lead to severe arrhythmias. In contrast, the apical heart rate and serum digoxin level fall within acceptable ranges, and mild bilateral ankle edema is common in heart failure patients and less immediately concerning in this context.