digoxin

Question 1

Digoxin Mechanism of Action

Answer 1

Increase of calcium from extracellular to intercellular cytoplasm
Increases activity of contractile cardiac muscle fibers
Increases force of myocardial contraction
Decrease heart rate by decreasing conduction through SA & AV nodes

Question 2

Digoxin Dosage

Answer 2

Initial 0.5-0.75 mg
Additional dose 0.125-0.375 mg
q6-8h

Range
0.75-1.5

Question 3

Digoxin Side effects

Answer 3

Dizziness 
HA
Rash
Visual disturbances 
Diarrhea

Question 4

Digoxin Contraindications

Answer 4

Ventricular fibrillation

Question 5

Digoxin Absorbed & excretions

Answer 5

Absorbed- GI tract
Metabolized- liver
Excreted- urine

Question 6

Digoxin Nursing implications

Answer 6

Assess apical pulses for 60 seconds
If pulse is less than 60 withhold Rx
Contact MD
Monitor for bradycardia 
Blood samples take 6-8 hours after dose

Question 7

Does digoxin affect B/P?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What can digoxin be used for?

Answer 8

CHF

Chronic atrial fibrillation

Question 9

How does digoxin work

Answer 9

• It inhibits the NA/K ATPase pump
• Increases calcium from outside to inside the cytoplasm (where cellular activity takes place)
• increases strength of heart contractions, slows electrical induction between atria & ventricles
• decreases activity of SA & AV nodes (to decrease heart rate)

Question 10

Where is the SA node found

Answer 10

Upper part of the right atrium

Natural pacemaker

Question 11

AV node is located?

Answer 11

At center of Koch’s triangle (tricuspid valve)

Question 12

Digoxin Classification

Answer 12

Cardiac glycoside

Anti arrhythmic