A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an early indication of medication toxicity?
Visual disturbances
Sudden weight gain
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L
Insomnia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Visual disturbances is the correct findings. In individuals taking digoxin, visual disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision can indicate early signs of medication toxicity. This symptom often requires prompt medical attention, as it can precede more severe complications.
Choice B Reason:
Sudden weight gain is not correct. While weight gain can be a symptom of worsening heart failure, it's not typically associated specifically with digoxin toxicity. It's more commonly related to fluid retention in heart failure.
Choice C Reason:
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L is not correct. This potassium level is within the normal range. Digoxin toxicity can be exacerbated by low potassium levels, but a normal potassium level doesn't directly indicate digoxin toxicity.
Choice D Reason:
Insomnia is not a typical early sign of digoxin toxicity. It's more commonly associated with issues like difficulty sleeping rather than being a direct symptom of digoxin toxicity.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Meloxicam is incorrect. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used primarily for managing mild to moderate pain and inflammation. While it can provide relief for mild pain, it may not be potent enough to effectively manage severe pain, especially in cases of advanced cancer-related pain, where stronger analgesics are often necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Aspirin is incorrect. Aspirin, like meloxicam, is an NSAID used for mild to moderate pain relief and has anti-inflammatory properties. While it can be effective for certain types of pain, it's generally not the first choice for severe pain management, particularly in cases of advanced cancer-related pain where stronger opioids are typically required for adequate relief.
Choice C Reason:
Hydromorphone is correct. Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage severe pain, especially in cancer-related pain or post-operative settings. In cases of severe pain, opioids like hydromorphone are commonly utilized due to their effectiveness in providing relief.
Choice D Reason:
Caldofor is incorrect. The term "Caldofor" does not appear to correspond to any recognized medication commonly used for pain relief. It's possible that this might be a misspelling or an unfamiliar or less common drug name. Without a specific drug identification, it's challenging to assess its suitability or effectiveness for managing severe pain associated with pancreatic cancer.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
BUN 15 mg/dL (blood urea nitrogen) is incorrect. An elevated BUN level can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but it's not typically associated with azathioprine's adverse effects. Azathioprine is known to affect bone marrow, leading to decreased blood cell counts, rather than directly impacting kidney function.
Choice B Reason:
WBC 3,000/mm³ (low white blood cell count) is correct. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. One of its known adverse effects is bone marrow suppression, which can lead to decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs). A low WBC count (leukopenia) can increase the risk of infections due to compromised immune function, making it an important adverse effect to monitor in individuals taking azathioprine.
Choice C Reason:
Hct 45% (hematocrit) is incorrect. A hematocrit of 45% is within the normal range for both men and women. Azathioprine adverse effects usually manifest as blood cell-related issues (such as leukopenia) rather than directly impacting hematocrit levels.
Choice D Reason:
Platelets 250,000/mm³: Platelets within the range of 150,000 to 400,000/mm³ are considered normal. Azathioprine typically affects white blood cells more prominently than platelet counts.

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