The 96-year-old patient is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) and furosemide (Lasix). In the morning, the patient complains of a headache and nausea. What will the nurse do first?
A) Contact the patient's physician immediately.
B) Check her laboratory values and vital signs.
C) Administer acetaminophen and Maalox.
D) Give her clear liquids and have her lie down.
B
Feedback:
The nurse will check the patient's digoxin level and electrolytes. Assessing vital signs is important because the risk of cardiac arrhythmias could increase due to the patient's receiving furosemide, which is a potassium-losing diuretic. The adverse effects most frequently seen with the cardiac glycosides include headache, weakness, drowsiness, and vision changes (a yellow halo around objects is often reported). Gastrointestinal (GI) upset and anorexia also commonly occur. Only after checking lab values and assessing vital signs might the nurse call the physician. Acetaminophen and Maalox would not be indicated. Having her lie down and restricting her diet to clear liquids would be appropriate but not the first actions.
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