Pharmacology
Digoxin Toxicity
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases myocardial contractility; narrow therapeutic index requires careful monitoring.
Signs and Symptoms
- Visual disturbances: yellow-green halos or blurred vision.
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, anorexia.
- Neurological: confusion, fatigue, weakness.
- Cardiac: bradycardia or dysrhythmias.
Nursing Priorities
- Check apical pulse for 60 seconds; hold if less than 60 bpm in adults.
- Monitor serum potassium levels; hypokalemia increases risk of toxicity.
- Digoxin Immune Fab is the antidote for severe toxicity.
- Advise patients to eat foods high in potassium.
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