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.
A pulse can be felt at the point where a vein passes over a bone near the skin surface. The skin plays an important part in regulating the body's temperature. The epidermis contains the hair follicles and sweat glands.
