The nurse is preparing to give digoxin (Lanoxin) to a 9-month-old infant. The nurse checks the dose and draws up 4 ml of the drug. The most appropriate nursing action is which?
a. Mix the dose with juice to disguise its taste.
b. Do not give the dose; suspect a dosage error.
c. Check the heart rate; administer digoxin if the rate is greater than 100 beats/min.
d. Check the heart rate; administer digoxin if the rate is greater than 80 beats/min.
ANS: B
Infants rarely receive more than 1 ml (50 mcg, or 0.05 mg) of digoxin in one dose; a higher dose is an immediate warning of a dosage error. To ensure safety, compare the calculation with that of another staff member before giving digoxin.
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