PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

When reviewing a client’s med record who is taking digoxin, which medication poses the highest risk for increased digoxin toxicity?

1. Furosemide.

2. Potassium chloride.

3. Levothyroxine.

4. Famotidine.

The correct answer is: Furosemide.

The medication that poses the highest risk for increased digoxin toxicity when reviewing a client's medical record is furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Since digoxin's therapeutic window is narrow, changes in electrolyte levels, especially potassium, can significantly affect its toxicity. Low potassium levels increase the sensitivity of cardiac tissues to digoxin, which increases the likelihood of digoxin toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, when a client is on digoxin and also taking furosemide, it's crucial to monitor their potassium levels closely to prevent toxicity. Other medications listed, such as potassium chloride, would actually help to counteract the risk of digoxin toxicity by stabilizing potassium levels. Levothyroxine and famotidine do not have this same direct effect on potassium levels and are less likely to influence digoxin toxicity in a significant way.