Which symptom can indicate digitalis toxicity during exercise monitoring?

Which symptom can indicate digitalis toxicity during exercise monitoring?

• A. Visual disturbances such as yellow/green halos
• B. Fever
• C. Rash
• D. Sneezing

Answer: (A)

Visual disturbances, particularly yellow-green halos around lights, are a classic sign of digoxin (digitalis) toxicity. Digoxin can accumulate or interact with electrolyte shifts during exercise, leading to toxicity that manifests in the eyes as xanthopsia (yellow vision) or other visual changes. This symptom is considered a hallmark and often prompts evaluation of digoxin levels, kidney function, and electrolytes before proceeding. In contrast, fever, rash, and sneezing are not associated with digoxin toxicity and point to infections, allergies, or other non-toxicity causes. If such a visual change is observed during exercise monitoring, it’s important to pause activity and assess the patient’s digoxin dose, labs, and ECG to ensure safety.

Visual disturbances, particularly yellow-green halos around lights, are a classic sign of digoxin (digitalis) toxicity. Digoxin can accumulate or interact with electrolyte shifts during exercise, leading to toxicity that manifests in the eyes as xanthopsia (yellow vision) or other visual changes. This symptom is considered a hallmark and often prompts evaluation of digoxin levels, kidney function, and electrolytes before proceeding. In contrast, fever, rash, and sneezing are not associated with digoxin toxicity and point to infections, allergies, or other non-toxicity causes. If such a visual change is observed during exercise monitoring, it’s important to pause activity and assess the patient’s digoxin dose, labs, and ECG to ensure safety.