A client admitted with heart failure overhears the health care provider discussing plans to "digitalize" the client and asks the nurse what this means. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

1. "The dose of digoxin gradually is increased until the heart tissue is saturated and symptoms of heart failure subside."
2. "You will be given a series of digoxin injections over the next few days."
3. "You will be given increasing doses of digoxin until you reach a toxic level, and then the drug will be stopped."
4. "You are given twice the usual dose of digoxin every day until therapeutic results are seen."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Digitalization is the process in which the dose of digoxin gradually is increased until the heart tissue is saturated and symptoms of heart failure subside.
Rationale 2: Although the doses would be given over the next few days, the answer is not specific enough.
Rationale 3: The doses are not increased to toxic levels.
Rationale 4: Twice the normal dose is not given.
Global Rationale: Digitalization is the process in which the dose of digoxin gradually is increased until the heart tissue is saturated and symptoms of heart failure subside. Although the doses would be given over the next few days, the answer is not specific enough. The doses are not increased to toxic levels. Twice the normal dose is not given.