A patient is prescribed digoxin. The patient's apical heart rate is 58 beats per minute. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Give the drug as ordered.
b. Document the finding because this is an expected effect of the drug.
c. Recheck the heart rate and blood pressure after 30 minutes.
d. Hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
D
Digoxin can cause a decrease in heart rate. The nurse must assess the apical heart rate for a full minute before giving this drug. If the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute, hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
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