Question

The nurse is providing care for a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of digoxin toxicity. The client reports more than usual urine output over the previous 48 hours, because of the prescribed diuretic. Which assessment finding does the nurse anticipate?

A
Blood in the urine
B
Tinnitus
C
Hypertension
D
Muscle weakness or cramping

Answer 1

The nurse expects muscle weakness or cramping (D) as a result of increased urine output caused by the diuretic, leading to electrolyte imbalances from inhibited reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the loop of Henle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is providing care for a client with a diagnosis of digoxin toxicity. The client also reports increased urine output as a result of a prescribed diuretic, which likely increases the frequency of urination by inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the loop of Henle.

Given this information, the nurse would anticipate the assessment finding related to the use of diuretics combined with the client's condition to be muscle weakness or cramping (D). This is because diuretics can lead to the excretion of electrolytes, which in turn can cause muscle weakness or cramps.

Loop diuretics are a common category of diuretics used to treat conditions like hypertension. They operate by inhibiting sodium and chloride ion reabsorption in the loop of Henle, which increases urine production and can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

These imbalances, particularly in potassium and magnesium, frequently manifest as muscle weakness or cramps, which is a common concern in individuals with increased diuretic usage or digoxin toxicity.