Question

Before giving digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse discovers that the patient's pulse is 52 beats per minute. What will be the nurse's best action?

Select one:
a. Give the dose
b. Delay the dose until later.
c. Hold the dose and notify the physician.
d. Give the dose and recheck the pulse in 1 hour.

Answer 1

The nurse should hold the dose of digoxin and notify the physician if a patient's pulse is 52 beats per minute since digoxin could exacerbate bradycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse discovers that a patient's pulse rate is 52 beats per minute before administering digoxin (Lanoxin), the best action would be to hold the dose and notify the physician. Digoxin affects the heart rate and is used in the treatment of various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sometimes heart failure. A pulse rate lower than 60 beats per minute may indicate that the patient is experiencing bradycardia, which could be exacerbated by giving digoxin. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to communicate with the physician to assess the appropriateness of the medication at that time.