Question

A client with congestive heart failure has been receiving Digoxin (lanoxin). Which finding indicates that the medication is having a desired effect? A. Increased urinary output B. Stabilized weight C. Improved appetite D. Increased pedal edema

Short answer

A. Increased urinary output B. Stabilized weight C. Improved appetite D. Increased pedal edema Answer: A. Increased urinary output

Step-by-step solution

Understand the effects of Digoxin

Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It works by increasing the force of the heart muscle's contractions, improving blood circulation and reducing the symptoms of heart failure.

Review the answer choices

We need to look at each option and determine if it is an indicator that Digoxin is having a desired effect: A. Increased urinary output B. Stabilized weight C. Improved appetite D. Increased pedal edema

Analyze Option A

Increased urinary output: When the heart is pumping more effectively due to Digoxin, the kidneys can better filter and remove excess fluid from the body, leading to increased urine production. This could be a sign that the medication is having its intended effect.

Analyze Option B

Stabilized weight: A stabilized weight can be an indirect indicator of improved heart function due to better fluid balance in the body. It is not as direct as other indicators, such as increased urine output.

Analyze Option C

Improved appetite: While an improved appetite can be related to overall improvement in health, it is not a direct indicator of the effects of Digoxin on heart function.

Analyze Option D

Increased pedal edema: This option indicates swelling in the lower extremities, which is usually a symptom of worsening heart failure, not an improvement. It does not suggest that Digoxin is having its desired effect.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the analysis of each option, the best indicator that Digoxin is having its desired effect is A. Increased urinary output. This is because it directly relates to the improvement of heart function and reduction of fluid overload in the body, which are the primary goals of Digoxin therapy in congestive heart failure patients.