A patient is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). What is the nurse's priority instruction to the patient about this medication?
1. how to manage itchy skin
2. foods that should be eaten while taking this drug
3. the importance of not taking the medication if the pulse is under 60 beats per minute
4. the need to check the pulse once a week and record the result on a notepad
Correct Answer: 3
The highest priority is for the patient to know that it may not be safe to take the drug when the pulse is under 60 beats per minute (bpm) and to contact the physician if that occurs. The pulse should be assessed daily to determine if the medication can be taken. Itchy skin is not an adverse effect of this medication. The patient should be instructed to eat foods high in potassium; however, this is not the priority for this medication.
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