An electrocardiogram (EKG) , which tracks your heart’s activity, can also help your
Digoxin toxicity continues to be an important clinical problem which may be life-threatening
Presentation and diagnosis
Your digoxin levels tell you the amount of digoxin that is in your body at a
This test may exhibit interference
What is being tested? Digoxin is a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms
Serum digoxin concentration is usually greater than the therapeutic range of 0
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Evaluating recrudescent (breakthrough) digoxin toxicity in renal-failure patients Assessing the need for more antidigoxin Fab to be administered Deciding when to reintroduce digoxin therapy Monitoring patients with possible digoxin-like Why the Test is Performed
Your digoxin levels tell you the amount of digoxin that is in your body at a certain time
, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers), digoxin does not cause hypotension or have negative inotropic effects
Risks
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside which can be associated with significant toxicity
Endogenous digoxin-like substances may produce positive test results in patients not taking digoxin in uremia, severe agonal states, and postmortem (high 0
The incidence of digitalis toxicity has declined in recent years, due to decreased use along with improved technology for monitoring of drug levels and increased awareness of drug interactions
Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
Digitalis inhibits the sodium-potassium pump, leading to an increase in intracellular sodium
The nurse should be aware of how the drug works, why it is ordered, nursing implications, signs and symptoms of toxicity, and how to teach the patient how to take the medication
It can also occur when levels of the drug build up for other reasons such as other medical problems you have
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Which statements about the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic of digoxin toxicity are correct? (Select all that apply), The nurse is administering an intravenous (IV) dose of digoxin at 1130
Digoxin may also be given to you if you have congestive heart failure (CHF)
Confusion, Delirium
For maximal early benefits in treating tachyarrhythmias, digoxin requires loading doses, which can be administered intravenously or orally
Chronic Digoxin Toxicity 2,10