A client with alcoholism is admitted to a medical-surgical unit with a serum magnesium level of 0.9 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to find in this client?

Choice A reason: Glucose of 110 mg/dL is not a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a normal blood glucose level for a fasting or non-fasting client.

Choice B reason: Potassium of 3.0 mEq/L is a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a low serum potassium level, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity by enhancing the binding of digoxin to cardiac cells. The nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, confusion, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice C reason: Calcium of 9.0 mg/dL is not a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a normal serum calcium level for an adult client.

Choice D reason: Sodium of 133 mEq/L is not a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a slightly low serum sodium level, which may indicate hyponatremia, but not digoxin toxicity.

Choice A reason: This is not the best answer. Respiratory rate and depth can indicate the client's oxygenation and ventilation, but not necessarily their fluid status. The client may have normal or increased respiratory rate and depth due to dehydration, acidosis, or anxiety, but this does not reflect their fluid volume or distribution. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and depth, but also assess other parameters of fluid status.

Choice B reason: This is not the best answer. Rectal temperature can indicate the client's core body temperature, but not necessarily their fluid status. The client may have normal or elevated rectal temperature due to infection, inflammation, or dehydration, but this does not reflect their fluid volume or distribution. The nurse should monitor the client's rectal temperature, but also assess other parameters of fluid status.

Choice C reason: This is the best answer. Blood pressure lying, sitting and standing can indicate the client's fluid status and vascular tone. The client may have low blood pressure due to fluid loss, hypovolemia, or vasodilation, and this can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. The nurse should measure the client's blood pressure in different positions and observe for signs of orthostatic hypotension, such as dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision.

Choice D reason: This is not the best answer. Pulse oximetry reading at rest can indicate the client's oxygen saturation, but not necessarily their fluid status. The client may have normal or decreased pulse oximetry reading due to hypoxia, anemia, or poor peripheral perfusion, but this does not reflect their fluid volume or distribution. The nurse should monitor the client's pulse oximetry reading, but also assess other parameters of fluid status.