Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

If a patient is exhibiting confusion and seizures after taking digoxin, what should be suspected?

1. Hypoxia.

2. Digitoxicity.

3. Hypoglycemia.

4. Electrolyte imbalance.

The correct answer is: Digitoxicity.

When a patient exhibits confusion and seizures after taking digoxin, digitoxicity should be suspected because it refers to the toxic effects of digoxin, a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the difference between a therapeutic and a toxic dose is small. Symptoms of digitoxicity can include neurological manifestations such as confusion, seizures, visual disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues, often resulting from the drug's effects on cardiac and neurological function. In this scenario, the presence of confusion and seizures specifically points towards digitoxicity, as these are known potential side effects when digoxin levels in the body become excessively high. Monitoring and managing digoxin levels is crucial to prevent these adverse events, and any signs of toxicity should prompt immediate medical evaluation and intervention. Other conditions such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalances may also cause confusion and seizures, but given the context of recent digoxin intake, digitoxicity is the primary concern that ties in the symptoms directly to the use of the medication.