AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms can indicate digitalis toxicity?

1. Headache and fatigue

2. Vomiting, seizures, heart arrhythmia

3. Fever and chills

4. Chest pain and hypertension

The correct answer is: Vomiting, seizures, heart arrhythmia

Digitalis toxicity can present with a variety of symptoms, with the most significant being gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac manifestations. Vomiting, seizures, and heart arrhythmia are particularly indicative of digitalis toxicity due to the drug's impact on the heart's electrical system and its potential to cause electrolyte imbalances. Vomiting may occur as a direct effect of digitalis on the gastrointestinal tract, while seizures can result from the central nervous system's response to toxicity. Heart arrhythmias are a critical symptom because digitalis affects the conduction pathways in the heart, leading to altered heart rhythms, which can be life-threatening. In contrast, the other symptoms listed do not specifically correlate with digitalis toxicity. Headache and fatigue may be associated with various conditions and are not distinctive for digitalis. Fever and chills suggest an infectious process rather than toxicity. Chest pain and hypertension could relate to multiple cardiovascular issues but do not specifically point to digitalis toxicity. Therefore, the combination of vomiting, seizures, and heart arrhythmia is the most compelling indicator of digitalis toxicity.