A client with congestive heart failure reports waking up at night with sudden breathlessness and feeling the need to sit upright to breathe comfortably. The nurse should document this symptom as:

A) This choice is incorrect because while digoxin can impact liver function, it is not the primary parameter to be monitored. Liver function tests may be performed periodically to assess liver health during digoxin therapy.

B) This choice is incorrect because serum sodium levels are not directly impacted by digoxin. However, electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia, can potentiate digoxin toxicity, so potassium levels should be monitored.

C) This choice is correct. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can impact renal function. Monitoring urine output is essential to assess kidney function and the client's response to the medication.

D) This choice is incorrect because blood glucose levels are not specifically impacted by digoxin. However, hypokalemia resulting from digoxin therapy can cause alterations in glucose metabolism, so blood glucose levels should be monitored in clients taking digoxin.

Questions

A) This choice is incorrect because orthopnea is a different symptom where the client experiences difficulty breathing while lying flat and finds relief by sitting upright or standing.

B) This choice is correct. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is characterized by sudden breathlessness that awakens the client from sleep, usually 1-2 hours after falling asleep. The client may feel the need to sit upright or dangle the legs to breathe comfortably.

C) This choice is incorrect because peripheral edema refers to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which is a common symptom of congestive heart failure but does not match the client's reported symptom.

D) This choice is incorrect because tachypnea is rapid breathing and is not specifically related to the client's nighttime symptom of sudden breathlessness.