A nurse in a provider's office is monitoring blood electrolytes for four clients who take digoxin.
Which of the following electrolyte values increases a client's risk for digoxin toxicity?

Intermittent claudication is a condition in which leg pain is produced upon increased activity and ischemia to tissues, but then the pain is reduced with rest. This is because the blood flow to the leg muscles is insufficient to meet the increased demand during exercise, but adequate at rest.Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs.

Choice B, sporadic ischemia, is wrong because it is not a specific medical term for a condition that causes leg pain.

Ischemia means reduced blood flow to a part of the body, which can cause pain, but it can be caused by various factors and affect different organs.

Choice C, angina, is wrong because it is a term for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not the legs.

Angina can also be triggered by physical activity and relieved by rest, but it is not related to PAD or leg ischemia.

Choice D, restless leg syndrome, is wrong because it is a condition that causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, usually at night or when lying down.

Restless leg syndrome does not cause pain or ischemia in the legs, and it is not improved by rest.It is thought to be related to a problem with the nervous system or iron deficiency.

Pentoxifylline is a medication that improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs.Pentoxifylline can help reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs that occurs with walking and improves with rest.

Choice A is correct because smoking is a major risk factor for PVD and quitting smoking can improve blood flow and prevent further damage to the arteries.

Choice B is correct because prolonged sitting or standing can reduce blood flow to the legs and worsen symptoms of PVD.

Patients should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or exposing their legs to cold temperatures.They should also elevate their legs when resting and move them frequently.

Choice C is wrong because pentoxifylline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to increase its absorption and effectiveness.

Choice D is wrong because physical activity is beneficial for patients with PVD and intermittent claudication.

Exercise can improve blood circulation, increase muscle strength, reduce pain, and lower cardiovascular risk factors.Patients should be encouraged to walk regularly, as tolerated, and follow a supervised exercise program if available.