For which laboratory result should a nurse withhold digoxin and notify the provider?

Withholding digoxin and notifying the provider is warranted when the potassium level is 3.1 mEq/L. Low potassium levels, known as hypokalemia, can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that relies on potassium for its mechanism of action; both potassium and digoxin compete for the same binding sites on cardiac cells. When potassium levels are low, the increased sensitivity to digoxin can lead to toxicity, manifesting in various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Monitoring potassium levels is crucial in patients receiving digoxin therapy, as fluctuations can significantly impact the drug's effectiveness and safety. Maintaining potassium within a normal range (typically 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) is essential for the safe administration of digoxin. In this case, a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L suggests a significant deficiency, thereby necessitating the withholding of digoxin and further evaluation by the healthcare provider.