A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the laboratory results of four clients who take digoxin.
Which of the following clients is at risk for developing digoxin toxicity?
A client who takes glyburide for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A client who takes furosemide for hypertension.
A client who takes cimetidine to reduce gastric acid secretion.
A client who takes azelastine for allergic rhinitis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A client who takes glyburide for type 2 diabetes mellitus is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Glyburide is an antidiabetic medication and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Choice B rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (normal potassium levels: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and hypomagnesemia (normal magnesium levels: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL). These imbalances increase the sensitivity to digoxin and the risk of toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias. Furosemide's impact on electrolytes makes it a significant risk factor for digoxin toxicity.
Choice C rationale: Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, can inhibit the metabolism of certain drugs by affecting liver enzymes. However, it does not significantly alter digoxin levels or increase the risk of toxicity. Normal liver enzyme levels include ALT (7 to 56 U/L) and AST (10 to 40 U/L). While cimetidine may interact with other medications, its effect on digoxin is minimal.
Choice D rationale:
A client who takes azelastine for allergic rhinitis is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Azelastine is an antihistamine and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Restricting visitation is an essential intervention during an influenza outbreak in a long-term care facility. Influenza is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among residents and staff in a close environment like a long-term care facility. By limiting visitation, the facility can reduce the risk of introducing the virus from the outside and help contain the outbreak. This is a preventive measure to protect vulnerable residents from exposure to the virus.
Choice B rationale:
Providing prophylactic antibiotics for clients who have been exposed to influenza is not a recommended intervention. Influenza is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics are ineffective in preventing or treating the infection. Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Implementing airborne precautions for clients who have influenza is not typically necessary. Influenza primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Standard precautions, such as proper hand hygiene and wearing masks when in close contact with infected individuals, are usually sufficient to prevent the spread of the virus. Airborne precautions are typically reserved for diseases that are transmitted through the airborne route, like tuberculosis.
Choice D rationale:
Assigning healthcare personnel to nondirect care activities for 24 hours after developing influenza symptoms is not a recommended intervention. While it's important for healthcare personnel to stay home when they are sick to prevent the spread of the virus, 24 hours may not be a necessary duration. The standard guideline for healthcare workers with influenza is to stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C.
Choice A: Oxygen saturation of 95% The normal oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%. An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range, so the nurse would not need to withhold furosemide for this reason.
Choice B: Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L The normal serum sodium levels range from 135 to 145 mEq/L. A serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, so the nurse would not need to withhold furosemide for this reason.
Choice C: Blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg Furosemide is a potent diuretic that can lead to a significant depletion of electrolytes, which may lead to side effects such as muscle cramps and an irregular heartbeat. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a potential side effect of furosemide. Normal blood pressure for adults is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. A blood pressure reading of 80/40 mm Hg is considerably lower than the normal range, indicating hypotension.
Choice D: Serum potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L The normal serum potassium levels range from 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L. A serum potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, so the nurse would not need to withhold furosemide for this reason.

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