The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old patient who takes digoxin to treat chronic atrial fibrillation. When caring for this patient, to monitor for drug side effects, what will the nurse carefully assess?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate and strengthens the force of the heart's contractions. The nurse must therefore monitor the patient's heart rate closely, as an excessively low heart rate (bradycardia) is a common side effect of the drug. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate may also require monitoring, but are not as directly influenced by digoxin as heart rate.

The Nurse Is Caring for an 82-Year-Old Patient Who Takes