Question

The nurse is starting a client on digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy. What intervention is essential to teach this client?

a. "Avoid taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products."
b. "Increase your intake of foods high in potassium."
c. "Hold this medication if your pulse rate is below 80 beats/min."
d. "Do not take this medication within 1 hour of taking an antacid."

Answer 1

The vital instruction for a client starting on digoxin therapy is to hold the medication if their pulse rate falls below 60 beats/min due to the risk of exacerbating bradycardia and to monitor potassium levels for safety and efficacy of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The essential intervention to teach a client starting on digoxin (Lanoxin) therapy is 'Hold this medication if your pulse rate is below 60 beats/min'. This medication is used to treat heart conditions, and it is important for the patient to monitor their heart rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). If the pulse is below 60 beats/min, taking digoxin could exacerbate the bradycardia, leading to inadequate cardiac output and poor perfusion. Additionally, patients on digoxin need to maintain appropriate potassium levels as it affects the medication's efficacy and safety. Therefore, in the case of hypokalemia, potassium intake might indeed be increased under guidance, and patients should also be informed not to take digoxin with antacids as it can interfere with the absorption of the medication.