ATI Adult Medical Surgical Related

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What is the primary action of digoxin when prescribed to a patient with heart failure?

  • A. Increase heart rate
  • B. Decrease cardiac output
  • C. Strengthen cardiac contractions
  • D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary action of digoxin in heart failure is to strengthen cardiac contractions. Digoxin inhibits the sodium-potassium pump, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels, which enhances the force of myocardial contractions. This helps improve cardiac output and symptoms of heart failure.

Explanation:
A: Incorrect - Digoxin does not increase heart rate, it mainly affects the strength of contractions.
B: Incorrect - Digoxin does not decrease cardiac output; it actually helps improve it by enhancing contractility.
D: Incorrect - Digoxin may have a slight effect on lowering blood pressure, but its primary action in heart failure is to strengthen cardiac contractions, not lower blood pressure.