A patient newly diagnosed with heart failure is prescribed 40 mg of furosemide (Lasix) to be given IV push. Knowing that the patient is also prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse should review which laboratory result?
1. sodium level
2. digoxin level
3. creatinine level
4. potassium level
Correct Answer: 4
Serum potassium level is measured in the patient receiving digoxin and furosemide. Heightened digoxin effect can occur in the patient with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia also predisposes the patient to ventricular dysrhythmias. There is no data indicating renal insufficiency; therefore creatinine level is not relevant. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, but the risk of hypokalemia has more severe consequences in this situation.
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