A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following statements indicates the client is experiencing digoxin toxicity?
"My tongue is red and beefy."
"My vision seems blurry."
"I am gaining weight."
"I am constipated."
The Correct Answer is B
A. This statement suggests symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency or glossitis, which are not typical signs of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, it is unlikely to indicate digoxin toxicity.
B. Blurred vision is a common neurological symptom of digoxin toxicity. It occurs due to disturbances in visual acuity and color vision, which can manifest as seeing halos around lights or difficulty focusing. Therefore, this statement is indicative of potential digoxin toxicity.
C. Weight gain can occur due to fluid retention, which is a symptom of heart failure rather than digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity typically presents with neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms rather than weight gain.
D. Constipation is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are more common with digoxin toxicity, but constipation is not a specific indicator.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) reflects the respiratory component of acid-base balance. In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by increasing ventilation to decrease PaCO2 (hyperventilation). Therefore, PaCO2 is typically below normal (less than 35-45 mm Hg) in metabolic acidosis, not above 45 mm Hg.
B. HCO3 (bicarbonate) is a buffer that helps regulate pH in the body. In metabolic acidosis, there is a primary decrease in HCO3 due to either increased acid production (e.g., lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis) or decreased acid elimination (e.g., renal failure). Therefore, HCO3 is typically below normal (< 22-26 mEq/L) in metabolic acidosis, not above 26 mEq/L.
C. PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) measures the oxygen level in the blood. It is not directly related to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Low PaO2 levels may indicate respiratory dysfunction or impaired gas exchange but are not specific to metabolic acidosis.
D. pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the primary defect is a decrease in blood pH due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases. The pH typically decreases below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 in metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Postoperative ileus and significant drainage via an NG tube are more likely to lead to electrolyte losses rather than elevated levels. Elevated magnesium levels are less common and typically associated with conditions such as renal failure or excessive magnesium intake.
B. Calcium levels can be affected by gastrointestinal losses, including drainage via an NG tube. Significant fluid loss can lead to hemoconcentration, potentially causing a relative increase in calcium levels initially. However, prolonged fluid loss can lead to overall depletion of electrolytes, including calcium.
C. When fluids are lost through the NG tube, potassium, which is an intracellular electrolyte, can be lost in large amounts. Prolonged drainage can lead to hypokalemia (decreased potassium levels), which can result in muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and other serious complications.
D. Elevated sodium levels (hypernatremia) are more commonly associated with dehydration or excessive sodium intake rather than drainage via an NG tube. In this scenario, sodium levels are less likely to be affected compared to potassium.
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