A nurse is assessing a client prior to administering digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse immediately report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Bradycardia: While bradycardia is a known side effect of digoxin and warrants monitoring, it is expected in some patients and may not always require immediate provider notification unless it becomes severe or symptomatic. B. Blurred vision: Blurred or yellow vision is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity. However, it typically develops gradually, and while concerning, it is not as urgent as hypokalemia, which can rapidly worsen digoxin toxicity and lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. C. Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, including dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. It must be corrected promptly, and digoxin administration should be held until potassium levels are addressed. This finding requires immediate provider notification. D. Anorexia: Anorexia is an early symptom of digoxin toxicity, but it does not carry the same immediate risk as hypokalemia. It should be reported, but it does not demand as urgent an intervention as correcting low potassium levels.