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A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription

for digoxin. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates an adverse effect of the medication?

(A) "I can walk a mile a day."
(B) "I've had a backache for several days."
(C) "I am urinating more frequently."
(D) "I feel nauseated and have no appetite."

User NonameSL
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The client's statement about feeling nauseated and having no appetite is indicative of a possible adverse effect of digoxin. This could be digoxin toxicity, and healthcare providers should be notified. Loop diuretics, not digoxin, usually cause increased urination by acting on the loop of Henle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who indicates an adverse effect of the medication digoxin for heart failure is likely experiencing symptoms of digoxin toxicity, which can include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and loss of appetite. Specifically, the statement by the client, "I feel nauseated and have no appetite," corresponds to known adverse effects of digoxin, such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider as they could indicate the need for adjustment of medication dosage or further medical evaluation. Regarding the concept of frequent urination due to certain medications, drugs like loop diuretics are known to increase urination as they act on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle by inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- ions, which leads to increased urine production. It is important to note that while increased urination can be a side effect of some medications, it is not commonly associated with digoxin.

User Can Rau
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