The nurse is administering the cardiotonic drug, digoxin, to a client who has congestive heart failure. Which of the following is a recommended nursing care guideline for this therapy?
A) Remember that the first administration of digoxin will be smaller than later doses.
B) Before administering digoxin, take the client's apical pulse for 30 seconds.
C) Be alert for side effects including gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and blurred vision.
D) Be alert for tachycardia, which occurs when digoxin slows the heart too much.
C
Feedback:
The nurse should be alert for possible side effects and adverse reactions of digitalization, including gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and blurred vision. The client may say that everything has a yellow appearance. The nurse should remember that the first administration of digoxin will be larger (loading dose) than later doses. Before administering digoxin, the nurse will take the client's apical pulse for 1 full minute. Bradycardia, not tachycardia, may occur when digoxin slows the heart too much.
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