The nurse is administering a dose of Digitalis (digoxin) to a patient with heart failure. The nurse would become concerned with the possibility of digitalis toxicity if the patient reported which symptom?

The nurse is administering a dose of Digitalis (digoxin) to a patient with heart failure. The nurse would become concerned with the possibility of digitalis toxicity if the patient reported which symptom?

• A. Muscle aches
• B. Constipation
• C. Loss of appetite
• D. Pounding headache

Answer: (C)

Digoxin toxicity often starts with nonspecific GI symptoms, and loss of appetite (anorexia) is a classic early sign. The drug’s effect on cellular pumps can irritate the GI tract, leading to decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Recognizing anorexia as a potential warning sign is important because it can precede more serious toxicity like bradycardia or dangerous arrhythmias. While other symptoms like muscle aches, constipation, or headaches can occur for other reasons, they are not the typical early indicators of digoxin toxicity. If appetite loss occurs in a patient taking digoxin, assess for possible toxicity by checking the digoxin level, renal function, electrolytes (especially potassium), and the patient’s heart rate and rhythm.

Digoxin toxicity often starts with nonspecific GI symptoms, and loss of appetite (anorexia) is a classic early sign. The drug’s effect on cellular pumps can irritate the GI tract, leading to decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Recognizing anorexia as a potential warning sign is important because it can precede more serious toxicity like bradycardia or dangerous arrhythmias. While other symptoms like muscle aches, constipation, or headaches can occur for other reasons, they are not the typical early indicators of digoxin toxicity. If appetite loss occurs in a patient taking digoxin, assess for possible toxicity by checking the digoxin level, renal function, electrolytes (especially potassium), and the patient’s heart rate and rhythm.