A nurse is visiting an 80-year-old female patient in her home. She is receiving 0.15 mg of oral digoxin daily. She also takes hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg twice a day. She complains of blurred vision and nausea
The nurse observes that she is confused and disoriented at times. Which is most likely to be the problem?
a.
The patient needs to have her hydrochlorothiazide increased.
b.
The patient may have digitalis toxicity.
c.
The patient may have developed chronic heart failure.
d.
The patient may have Alzheimer disease.
ANS: B
Cardiotonics are very powerful and can act as poisons on the heart. When a patient begins to show toxic or harmful reactions from too much medication, the term digitalis toxicity is used.
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