When teaching a client about digoxin therapy, which adverse effect should they monitor for?

Digoxin therapy is commonly used for heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure, but it comes with potential side effects that should be monitored. One notable adverse effect is the occurrence of yellow-tinged vision, a phenomenon known as xanthopsia. This effect stems from digoxin's action on the central nervous system and its influence on the visual pathways.

Patients should be taught to report any changes in their vision, particularly color changes such as seeing yellow where it should not be present. This symptom can be an indicator of digoxin toxicity, which can occur if the drug levels in the bloodstream become excessively high.

In contrast, while dry cough, pedal edema, and bruising can be associated with other medications or medical conditions, they are not directly tied to digoxin therapy in the same way that changes in visual perception are. Monitoring for visual disturbances is crucial for ensuring the safe use of digoxin and for proactively managing potential toxicity.