💊 Digoxin NCLEX Guide: Use, Toxicity Signs, and Nursing Care

Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Because of its narrow therapeutic range and life-threatening toxicity, it’s a high-yield drug for NCLEX pharmacology questions.

This blog features a signature KOTC visual and a breakdown of dosing, lab monitoring, and warning signs.

📊 Digoxin NCLEX Quick Reference Table

Use	Heart failure, atrial fibrillation
Therapeutic Range	0.5–2.0 ng/mL
Hold If HR <	60 bpm (adult), 90 bpm (infant)
Route	PO or IV
Excretion	Renal – monitor kidney function
Toxicity Signs	Nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, halos, blurred/yellow vision
Antidote	Digibind (Digoxin immune Fab)
Labs to Monitor	Digoxin level, potassium, BUN/Cr

🧠 NCLEX Tip: Hypokalemia Increases Toxicity Risk

• Low potassium = higher digoxin sensitivity

• Be extra cautious in patients on diuretics (furosemide)

🩺 Nursing Responsibilities with Digoxin

• Check apical HR for 1 full minute before admin

• Hold and notify if HR <60 bpm (or <90 bpm in infants)

• Monitor digoxin levels regularly

• Watch for early signs of toxicity

• Educate patient to report vision changes or GI upset

• Monitor electrolytes, especially potassium

💡 Mnemonic: “DIG IT”

D – Dig level 0.5–2
I – Increases contractility
G – GI and vision = early signs of toxicity
I – Interacts with potassium
T – Take apical pulse before giving

📲 Study Pharm Like a Pro with King of the Curve

• 💊 Pharmacology flashcards by system

• ⚠️ Toxicity alert simulations

• 🧪 Digoxin & cardiac drug practice sets

Explore at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🏁 Final Thoughts

Digoxin is easy to remember if you know where it goes wrong.
Think: slow heart, yellow vision, and low potassium danger.

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