Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank related questions and content

A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?

  • A. Hyperkalemia
  • B. Hypernatremia
  • C. Hypokalemia
  • D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypokalemia (low levels of potassium) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. This is because digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the cell membrane. When potassium levels are low, there is an increased binding of digoxin to these pumps, leading to enhanced entry of calcium into the cells. This can result in an increased intracellular calcium concentration, leading to digoxin toxicity and potential cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, monitoring and correcting potassium levels is crucial in patients prescribed digoxin to reduce the risk of toxicity.