Generic Name
Digoxin
Trade Name
Lanoxin
Indication
CHF, AFib, A-flutter
Action
Positive inotropic effect (increases force of myocardial contraction), prolongs
refractory period, ↓ conduction through SA and AV nodes. Essentially digoxin is
given to increase cardiac output and slow the rate.
Therapeutic Class
Antiarrhythmic, inotropics
Pharmacologic Class
Digitalis glycosides
Nursing Considerations
• Excreted by kidneys
• Assess patient for hypersensitivity
• Contraindicated with uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias
• Hypokalemia increase risk for toxicity
• Hypercalcemia ↑ risk for toxicity
• Use caution with diuretic use as they may cause electrolyte abnormalities
that can lead to toxicity
• Assess patient for cardiac arrhythmias including bradycardia
• Signs of toxicity include vision changes (blurred vision, yellow, green vision
disturbances)
• Monitor pulse rate for 1 full minute prior to dosing patient (hold for pulse <60)
Cornell Note-Taking System Instructions:
- Record: During the lecture, use the note-taking column to record the lecture using telegraphic sentences.
- Questions: As soon after class as possible, formulate questions based onthe notes in the right-hand column. Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later.
- Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the question and cue column only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue-words.
- Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for example: “What’s the significance of these facts? What principle are they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I already know? What’s beyond them?
- Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your previous notes. If you do, you’ll retain a great deal for current use, as well as, for the exam.
For more information, visit www.nursing.com/cornell
