Patient Data. Exhibits The nurse determines that the client is experiencing toxicity and notifies the HCP. Which action(s) should the nurse anticipate performing to manage digoxin toxicity? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Monitor potassium levels: Digoxin toxicity is worsened by hypokalemia. The client’s potassium level is critically low (2.5 mEq/L), so close monitoring is required to guide replacement and prevent arrhythmias. B. Stop digoxin: Holding digoxin is the first intervention since continued administration will exacerbate toxicity. Immediate discontinuation allows levels to decline and prevents worsening bradycardia or visual changes. C. Monitor radial pulse: Regular pulse monitoring helps assess the severity of bradycardia and rhythm irregularities. It is a standard nursing intervention when managing digoxin therapy and suspected toxicity. D. Give IV fluids: IV fluids are not a treatment for digoxin toxicity. They may worsen fluid overload in a patient with heart failure and pulmonary crackles. E. Give atropine: Atropine may be ordered for severe bradycardia related to digoxin toxicity to improve heart rate and perfusion until other measures, such as antidote therapy, take effect. F. Administer furosemide PO: Loop diuretics like furosemide can worsen hypokalemia, further aggravating digoxin toxicity. This medication should not be given until potassium levels are corrected. G. Administer digoxin immune fab: This is the specific antidote for severe digoxin toxicity, especially in symptomatic patients with bradycardia, GI symptoms, and visual disturbances as seen in this case. H. Administer potassium IV: Because the client is hypokalemic, IV potassium replacement is indicated to stabilize cardiac cells and reduce digoxin binding. This should be given cautiously with continuous monitoring to avoid rebound hyperkalemia.