Question

A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin and a loop diuretic. The nurse knows that what finding below would increase a patient's risk of developing Digoxin toxicity?*

A. Magnesium level 1.8 mg/dL
B. Potassium 2 mEq/L
C. BUN 15
D. Albumin 5 g/dL

Answer 1

A Potassium level of 2 mEq/L would increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity for a patient taking Digoxin and a loop diuretic, as loop diuretics can lead to low potassium levels and thereby heighten the sensitivity to Digoxin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin and a loop diuretic. Among the options provided, a Potassium level of 2 mEq/L would greatly increase the patient's risk of developing Digoxin toxicity. Digoxin requires careful monitoring of serum electrolytes because low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can lead to increased sensitivity to Digoxin and potentially toxic effects. Loop diuretics, such as the one prescribed to the patient, can lead to hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium in the urine, which disrupts the balance of electrolytes, and further increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity.