The nurse is assessing a client taking both verapamil and digoxin. Which finding indicates an adverse interaction of this drug combination?
1. Pulse rate 51 beats per minute
2. Respiratory rate 42 breaths per minute
3. Blood pressure 184/96 mmHg
4. Serum potassium 5.6 mEq/L
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Risk of bradycardia is greater with this drug combination, since both drugs slow conduction through the AV node.
Rationale 2: The drugs are not associated with an increase in respiratory rate.
Rationale 3: Hypertension is not associated with either drug.
Rationale 4: Hyperkalemia does not occur as a result of the interaction of these drugs, although if serum potassium is abnormally high for another reason, potassium ions might compete for digoxin receptors and decrease the therapeutic effect of digoxin.
Global Rationale: Risk of bradycardia is greater with this drug combination, since both drugs slow conduction through the AV node. The drugs are not associated with an increase in respiratory rate. Hypertension is not associated with either drug. Hyperkalemia does not occur as a result of the interaction of these drugs, although if serum potassium is abnormally high for another reason, potassium ions might compete for digoxin receptors and decrease the therapeutic effect of digoxin.
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