Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client. For which of the following findings should the nurse withhold the medication?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A. The nurse should withhold digoxin if the apical pulse is below 60 beats/min in adults. This is because digoxin can cause bradycardia, so administering it when the pulse is already low can lead to further slowing of the heart rate and potential adverse effects like arrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are not reasons to withhold digoxin as they are within normal ranges for respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. It's important to monitor these parameters but they do not indicate a need to withhold the medication.