The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) by IV bolus. Which is the most important parameter for the nurse to evaluate before administering the medication through an existing IV access device?

Question

1. Client heart rate
2. Contraindications
3. Patency of the IV
4. Location of IV site

Answer 1

1
1. Before administering digoxin, the nurse counts the client's heart rate and ensures that it falls within the provider's predetermined range for the client while using di-goxin. Most providers want the heart rate to be greater than 50-55 beats/min while the client is awake. If the client's heart rate is outside the accepted range for the therapy, the nurse should notify the provider and plan follow-up nursing care and monitoring.
2. Excessive bradycardia is the most frequent contraindication to therapy. After the nurse determines that the client's heart rate is acceptable, the nurse ensures that no other contraindications to therapy exist.
3. Patency of the IV is important to determine because, if the IV is occluded or can-not be used for another reason, the medication administration time can be delayed and, thus, affect client therapy.
4. Digoxin by IV bolus is suitable for most IV sites as long as the IV is not infiltrated, infected, or leaking.