Which laboratory result should a nurse analyze first for an 80-year-old client on digoxin who reports nausea and visual disturbances?

Which laboratory result should a nurse analyze first for an 80-year-old client on digoxin who reports nausea and visual disturbances?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen.
• B. Magnesium levels.
• C. Potassium levels.
• D. Blood pH.

Answer: (C)

In the context of an 80-year-old client taking digoxin who is experiencing nausea and visual disturbances, analyzing potassium levels first is critical due to the relationship between potassium and digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that both low and high levels of potassium can significantly affect its efficacy and safety. Low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, as well as visual disturbances (like seeing halos around lights). On the other hand, high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can also cause significant heart problems and may reduce the effectiveness of digoxin. Therefore, monitoring potassium levels in a patient on digoxin is essential to ensure safe levels of the medication are maintained and to prevent complications such as toxicity, which aligns with the symptoms reported by the client. It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize potassium levels in this scenario, as proper management can directly impact the patient's safety and well-being.

In the context of an 80-year-old client taking digoxin who is experiencing nausea and visual disturbances, analyzing potassium levels first is critical due to the relationship between potassium and digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that both low and high levels of potassium can significantly affect its efficacy and safety.

Low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, as well as visual disturbances (like seeing halos around lights). On the other hand, high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can also cause significant heart problems and may reduce the effectiveness of digoxin.

Therefore, monitoring potassium levels in a patient on digoxin is essential to ensure safe levels of the medication are maintained and to prevent complications such as toxicity, which aligns with the symptoms reported by the client. It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize potassium levels in this scenario, as proper management can directly impact the patient's safety and well-being.