A patient on digoxin and furosemide reports yellow halos around lights. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Check for other symptoms of digoxin toxicity
• B. Withhold digoxin until digoxin level is drawn
• C. Increase digoxin dose
• D. Switch to a different diuretic

Answer: (A)

Yellow halos around lights are a classic sign of digoxin toxicity. In a patient taking digoxin along with furosemide, which can cause hypokalemia and raise the risk of toxicity, the priority is to assess for other indicators of digoxin toxicity. Ask about nausea, vomiting, anorexia, confusion, dizziness, or abdominal pain, and quickly check the heart rate and rhythm. Also review electrolytes (especially potassium) and kidney function, and obtain a digoxin level if ordered. This initial assessment clarifies how serious the toxicity is and guides the next steps, such as withholding the drug and notifying the prescriber if toxicity is suspected.