Author Question: A patient taking digoxin (Lanoxin) is admitted to the hospital. During the physical assessment, the ... (Read 82 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient taking digoxin (Lanoxin) is admitted to the hospital. During the physical assessment, the patient complains of muscle weakness. The nurse would be correct to suspect which of the following electrolyte imbalances?

a. Hyponatremia
b. Hypokalemia
c. Thrombocytopenia
d. Leukopenia

Question 2

The nurse has just received report and is assuming care of four patients. The nurse would be most concerned about which patient taking human growth hormone?

a. A patient with a history of growth hormone (GH) deficiency
b. A patient with a blood glucose level of 82
c. A patient who complain of frequent urination
d. A patient with diabetes who has a blood glucose level of 280

AngeliqueG · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Hypokalemia has adverse effects on skeletal muscle, with symptoms that include weakness or paralysis of skeletal muscle, the risk of fatal dysrhythmias, and intestinal dilation and ileus. In patients taking digoxin, hypokalemia is the principal cause of digoxin toxicity.
Hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia and would not be the cause of the patient's muscle weakness.

Answer to Question 2

D
Growth hormone can significantly elevate the blood glucose level in patients with diabetes; this patient's blood sugar level should be monitored closely.
A patient with a history of GH deficiency would not be a concern, because this patient is taking GH for management of the deficiency.
A patient with a blood glucose level of 82 would not be a concern; because the patient is taking GH, this blood glucose level will rise.
A patient who complains of frequent urination would not be a priority concern for the nurse. Af-ter managing the more serious problems, the nurse would have to assess this patient to determine the etiology of the frequent urination.