What to check before giving digoxin?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the necessary assessments or precautions to take before administering the medication digoxin, which is commonly used to treat certain heart conditions. This usually involves checking the patient's heart rate, kidney function, and electrolyte levels, among other factors.
Answer
Check electrolyte levels and apical pulse.
Before administering digoxin, check electrolyte levels (especially potassium) and the apical pulse for a full minute. Withhold treatment if bradycardia is present.
Answer for screen readers
Before administering digoxin, check electrolyte levels (especially potassium) and the apical pulse for a full minute. Withhold treatment if bradycardia is present.
More Information
Monitoring potassium levels is crucial because abnormalities can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Similarly, a low heart rate (bradycardia) may indicate the need to adjust dosage or discontinue use temporarily.
Tips
Common mistakes include neglecting to check electrolyte levels or skipping the pulse check, leading to potential adverse effects.
Sources
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) | Davis's Drug Guide - Nursing Central - nursing.unboundmedicine.com
- Taking Digoxin | Saint Luke's Health System - saintlukeskc.org
- Digoxin (Oral Route) Precautions - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
