A patient has been taking digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.25 mg, and furosemide (Lasix), 40 mg, daily. Upon routine assessment by a nurse, the patient states, "I see yellow halos around the lights."
The nurse should perform which of the following interactions based on this assessment?
a. Assess the patient for other symptoms of digitalis toxicity.
b. Withhold the next dose of furosemide.
c. Continue to monitor the patient for heart failure.
d. Document the findings and reassess in 1 hour.
ANS: A
Yellow halos around lights are indicative of digoxin toxicity. The use of furosemide increases the risk of hypokalemia, which in turn potentiates digoxin toxicity. The patient should also be assessed for headache, nausea, and vomiting, and blood should be drawn for measurement of the serum digoxin level.
The nurse should not withhold the dose of furosemide until further assessment is done, including measurement of a serum digoxin level.
No evidence indicates that the patient is in heart failure that is worsening.
Documentation of findings is secondary to further assessment and prevention of digoxin toxicity.
You might also like to view...
A client is seeing the physician at the clinic and tells the nurse he is fatigued and short of breath with minimal exertion. What lab study may reflect a decrease in transport of oxygen?
A) Erythrocyte count B) Leukocyte count C) Platelet count D) Albumin level
Which temperature indicates a pyrexia?
a. 37.5–38.5°C b. 36.0–37.5°C c. 37.0–38.0°C d. 38.0–39.0°C
Nursing care of children focuses on improving a child's quality of care by:
a. Providing an environment for optimal growth and development b. Focusing on curing childhood illnesses c. Addressing problems caused by communicable disease d. Improving sanitation
Which of the following bids would include large quantities of non-perishable goods?
a. daily bid b. line-item bid c. bottom line bid d. fixed bid