Question

A client hospitalized for heart failure is receiving digoxin and will continue taking the drug after discharge. What should be included in the plan of care for the next few days?

Answer 1

Answer:

Taking the apical pulse before drug administration and teaching the client how to count the pulse.

Explanation:

The British National Formulary (BNF) and Micromedex suggest the assessment of apical pulse before administration of digoxin. An apical pulse of  < 60 beats-per-minute (bpm) is the assessment where digoxin shall be withheld and taken only after approval of physician. A low pulse is referred to as bradycardia which is indicated to cause digoxin toxicity and heart block. Hence, sinus bradycardia and slow ventricular rate is correlated with digoxin toxicity in patients.