The nurse reviews laboratory results for a client taking dig… | MyMerci
Medication AdministrationPPT
Question
The nurse reviews laboratory results for a client taking digoxin. Which result increases the risk for digoxin toxicity?
1Serum sodium 140 mEq/L.
2Serum potassium 3.1 mEq/L.✓ Correct answer
3Serum calcium 9.2 mg/dL.
4Serum magnesium 2.0 mg/dL.
Explanation
Hypokalemia increases myocardial sensitivity to digoxin and raises the risk for toxicity. The sodium, calcium, and magnesium values listed are not the key risk cue in this scenario. The nurse should recognize low potassium before administering digoxin.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Digoxin and hypokalemia.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Digoxin and hypokalemia, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Digoxin — A cardiac glycoside used to improve contractility and control some dysrhythmias.
Hypokalemia — A low serum potassium level that can increase dysrhythmia risk.
Toxicity — Harmful effects caused by excessive medication effect or accumulation.