What is a priority nursing intervention that should be implemented before digoxin is administered?
A) Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute before administration.
B) Take the client's blood pressure reading before and after administration.
C) Ask the client to report when they next urinate.
D) Take the client temperature; fever is a contraindication for administration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Counting the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute before administering digoxin is crucial because it helps to ensure the patient's heart rate is within a safe range for receiving the medication. Digoxin affects the heart's rhythm and force of contraction, so administering it to a patient with a too low heart rate could be dangerous.

What Is a Priority Nursing Intervention That Should Be Implemented