16/07/2026
A patient taking digoxin reports nausea and yellow-green halos. The apical pulse is 52 beats/min.
What should the nurse do FIRST?
Comment A, B, C, or D before checking the answer below! 👇
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✅ Correct Answer: B — Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
Why is B correct?
Nausea, yellow-green visual disturbances or halos, and a slow apical pulse suggest possible digoxin toxicity. The nurse should withhold the scheduled dose to prevent further exposure and promptly notify the healthcare provider.
The patient may require cardiac monitoring and evaluation of the serum digoxin level, electrolytes, and renal function. Digoxin labeling identifies nausea, visual disturbances, and cardiac rhythm abnormalities as important toxicity findings.
Why not the other options?
❌ A. Administer the scheduled digoxin
Administering the medication could worsen possible toxicity and further decrease the patient’s heart rate.
❌ C. Administer a potassium supplement
Potassium should not be administered automatically. The nurse must first review the serum potassium level and obtain an appropriate prescription because potassium abnormalities can affect digoxin toxicity.
❌ D. Reassess the apical pulse after 30 minutes
Reassessment alone would delay the priority intervention. The nurse should hold the medication immediately and report the concerning findings.
💡 NCLEX Priority Tip:
When gastrointestinal symptoms, visual disturbances, and cardiac changes occur together in a patient taking digoxin, suspect toxicity and withhold the medication.
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