Which sign is NOT considered an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?

Which sign is NOT considered an early sign of Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Dysrhythmias
• B. Anorexia
• C. Nausea
• D. Vomiting

Answer: (A)

Early signs of digoxin toxicity are noncardiac symptoms like anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, sometimes with fatigue or confusion. Dysrhythmias are not early signs; they reflect cardiac involvement at higher drug levels and can indicate more advanced, potentially life-threatening toxicity. Because GI symptoms tend to appear first, they alert you to toxicity before the heart’s conduction is significantly affected. In practice, if a patient on digoxin develops GI symptoms, you’d assess pulse, hold the medication if the pulse is concerning, check electrolytes (notably potassium), and obtain a digoxin level, with more aggressive treatment if toxicity is confirmed. Dysrhythmias signal progression and require urgent intervention.

Early signs of digoxin toxicity are noncardiac symptoms like anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, sometimes with fatigue or confusion. Dysrhythmias are not early signs; they reflect cardiac involvement at higher drug levels and can indicate more advanced, potentially life-threatening toxicity. Because GI symptoms tend to appear first, they alert you to toxicity before the heart’s conduction is significantly affected. In practice, if a patient on digoxin develops GI symptoms, you’d assess pulse, hold the medication if the pulse is concerning, check electrolytes (notably potassium), and obtain a digoxin level, with more aggressive treatment if toxicity is confirmed. Dysrhythmias signal progression and require urgent intervention.