Question

An 80-year-old client who is taking digoxin reports nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and halo vision. Which laboratory result should the nurse evaluate first?

A
Blood urea nitrogen
B
Blood pH
C
Potassium levels Correct Answer (Blank)
D
Magnesium levels

Answer 1

The nurse should evaluate the potassium levels in the 80-year-old client taking digoxin due to the reported symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should evaluate the potassium levels in the 80-year-old client who is taking digoxin. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart problems, but it can cause low levels of potassium in the blood, leading to various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and halo vision. Low potassium levels, also known as hypokalemia, can be dangerous and can affect the heart's ability to function properly. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to assess the client's potassium levels promptly to determine if any interventions or adjustments to the medication are necessary.