What symptom indicates possible digoxin toxicity that parents should report?

Study for the UWorld Pharmacology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer is related to monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms as a potential indicator of digoxin toxicity. Loss of appetite in a child taking digoxin can be significant, as it often precedes more serious symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or arrhythmias. Digoxin affects the heart's contractility and rate, but it can also impact the gastrointestinal system, as it is often implicated in early signs of toxicity.

In the context of digoxin, observing a child for loss of appetite is essential because it signals that the child is not tolerating the medication well. This symptom can be an early warning that levels of digoxin may be rising to a toxic level or that the child is experiencing side effects.

Other options, like a heart rate of 95/min, may not necessarily indicate toxicity, as heart rates in this range can be normal for children, depending on age and activity level. Dizziness after ingestion may raise concerns but is less common in younger children and may not be the first sign of toxicity. Vomiting after the initial dose might suggest a reaction to the medication but is not as specific an indicator of digoxin toxicity as loss of appetite is. Recognizing and reporting any changes in appetite can lead to timely intervention and prevent severe toxicity events.

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