Question

The nurse assesses the patient before administering digoxin (Lanoxin) and withholds the drug and notifies the physician with what finding?

Select one:
a. Respiratory rate falls below 14
b. History reveals liver failure
c. Pulse is 44 beats/min
d. Blood pressure is 72/40 mm Hg

Answer 1

A nurse should withhold digoxin if a patient's pulse is 44 beats/min, as this indicates bradycardia, which is a potentially dangerous condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should withhold digoxin (Lanoxin) and notify the physician if a patient's pulse is 44 beats/min. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sometimes heart failure. A pulse rate lower than 60 bpm is considered bradycardia, which could indicate that the heart is not effectively pumping blood. In this case, administering digoxin could further slow the heart rate and exacerbate the patient's condition. Therefore, a pulse of 44 bpm is a critical finding that requires immediate medical attention and possible adjustment of medication or other interventions.