Which statement regarding a medication regimen for a 67-year-old with multiple conditions is correct?

Which statement regarding a medication regimen for a 67-year-old with multiple conditions is correct?

• A. The glipizide will increase the risk of potassium depletion.
• B. The digoxin will increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
• C. The HCTZ will predispose the patient to Digoxin toxicity.
• D. The atorvastatin will worsen the diabetes.

Answer: (C)

The statement that the hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) will predispose the patient to digoxin toxicity is correct because thiazide diuretics like HCTZ can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels). When a patient is on digoxin, low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. This is critical for older adults, especially those with multiple comorbidities, as the balance of electrolytes is vital for safe medication use. Patients taking digoxin require careful monitoring of their potassium levels because hypokalemia can enhance the effects of digoxin, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as arrhythmias. Therefore, the combination of HCTZ and digoxin necessitates increased vigilance for signs of toxicity, making this statement concerning their interaction particularly important in the management of a patient with multiple medical conditions.

The statement that the hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) will predispose the patient to digoxin toxicity is correct because thiazide diuretics like HCTZ can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels). When a patient is on digoxin, low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. This is critical for older adults, especially those with multiple comorbidities, as the balance of electrolytes is vital for safe medication use.

Patients taking digoxin require careful monitoring of their potassium levels because hypokalemia can enhance the effects of digoxin, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as arrhythmias. Therefore, the combination of HCTZ and digoxin necessitates increased vigilance for signs of toxicity, making this statement concerning their interaction particularly important in the management of a patient with multiple medical conditions.