If a heart failure client taking furosemide and digoxin reports anorexia and nausea, what is the nurse's first action?

In the context of a client with heart failure who is taking furosemide and digoxin, reporting symptoms such as anorexia and nausea, the most appropriate first action involves checking laboratory results for potassium. Both furosemide and digoxin can affect potassium levels in the body.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion, a condition known as hypokalemia. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and anorexia. By checking the lab results for potassium, the nurse can determine if the client's symptoms are related to an electrolyte imbalance that might necessitate immediate intervention.

Monitoring the patient’s vital signs is important in assessing overall health and potential complications but does not directly address the potential cause of the signs and symptoms related to potassium levels. Administering anti-nausea medication might alleviate the symptoms temporarily but would not address a potential underlying electrolyte disturbance. Notifying the healthcare provider is a necessary action, but it should follow the assessment of the potassium levels, providing the provider with pertinent information regarding the patient's condition. Thus, checking laboratory results for potassium is the priority action in this situation.