A nurse is administering digoxin to a client with high blood pressure. Which of the following is a priority nursing action that the nurse must perform before this administration?
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) Use a mild sedative to sedate the patient before administration.
D) Take the patient temperature; fever is a contraindication for administration.
A
Feedback:
Because heart rate slows in response to digoxin, the apical pulse rate is counted for 1 full minute before administration. If the client's heart rate is below 60 beats/min or if irregularities in heart rhythm are present, the nurse should withhold the medication and report the information, as the primary healthcare provider may wish to change or omit the dose for that day.
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