Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient recently admitted to the ICU with heart disease. Which adverse ... (Read 28 times)

rlane42 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient recently admitted to the ICU with heart disease. Which adverse effect of digoxin is considered the most life-threatening if digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity develops?

a. Dysrhythmias
b. Heart murmur
c. Slow respiratory rate
d. Tachycardia

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing medication for heart failure. The nurse is correct to assume that the front-line therapy for heart failure currently consists of which regimen?

a. Loop diuretic, potassium-sparing diuretic, and cardiac glycoside
b. Calcium channel blocker, diuretic, and cardiac glycoside
c. Diuretic, ACE inhibitor, and beta blocker
d. Beta blocker, calcium channel blocker, and diuretic

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Dysrhythmias are the most serious adverse effect of digoxin. Patients should be monitored frequently for changes in heart rate (bradycardia) and rhythm (A-V conduction problems).
A heart murmur is not an indication of digoxin toxicity, nor is a slow respiratory rate.
Bradycardia is a more accurate indication of digoxin toxicity than tachycardia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The first-line therapy for heart failure now consists of three drugs: a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), and a beta blocker.
The other regimens listed are not considered first-line therapy for heart failure.