Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has atrial fibrillation and receives digoxin daily. Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Measure the client's apical pulse. Before administering digoxin, the nurse should assess the client's apical pulse because digoxin can cause bradycardia as a side effect. Monitoring the apical pulse helps to ensure the heart rate is within the safe range before giving the medication. This action is crucial in preventing adverse effects such as digoxin toxicity.
A: Measuring the client's blood pressure is important but not specifically related to digoxin administration.
B: Weighing the client is not directly necessary before administering digoxin.
C: Offering the client a light snack is not relevant to administering digoxin.
E, F, G: No additional choices provided.
A: Measuring the client's blood pressure is important but not specifically related to digoxin administration.
B: Weighing the client is not directly necessary before administering digoxin.
C: Offering the client a light snack is not relevant to administering digoxin.
E, F, G: No additional choices provided.