What should a nurse monitor for a child receiving digoxin and furosemide?

Monitoring heart rate and potassium levels in a child receiving digoxin and furosemide is crucial due to the pharmacological effects of both medications. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of heart contractions and can lead to toxicity, particularly in the presence of electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium (hypokalemia). Since furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of potassium, there is an increased risk of hypokalemia, which can predispose the child to serious cardiac dysrhythmias when taking digoxin.

Additionally, digoxin requires that the heart rate be monitored, particularly in children, because bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) can indicate digoxin toxicity. Regular monitoring ensures any potential side effects or complications are caught early, allowing for timely interventions to adjust dosages or manage the child's health conditions.

This focus on monitoring heart rate and potassium levels helps maintain the safety and efficacy of the treatment regimen for the child. Weight changes are important for assessing fluid status but are not as directly linked to the immediate risks presented by the medications involved. Temperature fluctuations are generally less relevant in this context, and hyperkalemia is not a primary concern when using furosemide