What are the therapeutic effects of cardiac glycosides?

Discussion Topics, Chapter 44, Cardiotonic Agents

Discussion Topics

Learning Objective(s)

1. The nurse is caring for Mr. Adrian, an 82-year-old man with CHF who has a past medical history of diabetes and renal insufficiency. He is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg IV and then 0.125 mg PO daily.

a. What are the therapeutic effects of cardiac glycosides?

b. Is this patient at risk for digoxin toxicity? Explain.

c. What are the adverse effects of digoxin?

d. Discuss the nursing considerations for digoxin administration.

2. Mr. Smith is a “self-identified” black client. He has been suffering with congestive heart failure for several years and has achieved minimal benefit from his current drug regimen. His physician recommends starting on BiDil.

a. What is BiDil?

b. Why is BiDil controversial, and what about Mr. Smith makes BiDil an attractive alternative for drug treatment?