MEDizzy - When the nurse is about to administer digoxin to a client,

Feed Library Learning Discuss Leaderboard Journal

Cardiology II

When the nurse is about to administer digoxin to a client, the client says, “I think I need to see the eye doctor. Things seem to look kind of green today.” The nurse takes his vital signs, which are blood pressure = 150/94, pulse = 60 bpm, and respirations = 28. What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take?

ExplanationDisturbance in green and yellow vision is a sign of digoxin toxicity. A pulse of 60 is borderline for digoxin toxicity. When there is any possibility of digoxin toxicity, withhold the medication and report to the charge nurse. Once a person takes digoxin, it stays in the system for nearly a week. The LPN will of course record the findings, but withholding the medication is essential. The client needs to have serum digoxin levels done and does not need to be seen by an ophthalmologist. Visual disturbances are a sign of digoxin toxicity, but these are not normal.