Which conditions are contraindications for the use of digoxin?

Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. However, its use is contraindicated in several scenarios due to the potential for severe complications that could arise.

Ventricular fibrillation, which is an erratic and ineffective heartbeat, necessitates immediate treatment to restore a normal rhythm; using digoxin in this scenario could exacerbate the condition or lead to further complications. Additionally, second-degree heart block involves a disruption in the heart’s electrical signals, causing missed beats. Administering digoxin can potentially worsen this condition, leading to further heart rhythm issues or even complete heart block.

The correct answer highlights the combination of these two conditions, both of which pose significant risks when treated with digoxin. Understanding these contraindications is critical because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, and patients with these heart rhythm abnormalities are at increased risk for toxicity and adverse effects if the drug is administered.

Other options may include conditions like bradycardia or hypokalemia, but digoxin can sometimes be used with caution in certain cases, depending on the specific clinical context. Therefore, the combination of ventricular fibrillation and second-degree heart block represents a clear and definitive contraindication to the use of digoxin.