# The nurse reviews laboratory results for a client taking digoxin. Which result increases the risk for digoxin toxicity?

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> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=568906&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medication Administration  
> category: PPT

## Question

The nurse reviews laboratory results for a client taking digoxin. Which result increases the risk for digoxin toxicity?

## Option

1. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L.
2. Serum magnesium 2.0 mg/dL.
3. Serum potassium 3.1 mEq/L. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Serum calcium 9.2 mg/dL.

**Correct answer: 3**

## 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.

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