Question

A nurse is assessing a client's vital signs prior to the administration of PO digoxin. The client's BP is 144/86 mmHg, heart rate is 55/min, and the respiratory rate is 20/min. The nurse should withhold the medication and contact the provider for which of the following findings?

A. Elevated blood pressure
B. Bradycardia
C. Tachypnea
D. Hypertension

Answer 1

The nurse should withhold the medication and contact the provider due to the client exhibiting bradycardia, which is a heart rate below 60 bpm, as digoxin could exacerbate the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should withhold the medication and contact the provider for bradycardia. In adults, a normal resting heart rate (HR) is between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Bradycardia occurs when the HR falls below 60 bpm. Digoxin is a medication that can further slow down the HR, therefore, administering it to a patient who already has a HR of 55/min could be harmful. Unless the patient is a trained athlete or exhibits no other symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or respiratory distress, bradycardia can indicate that the heart is not providing sufficient oxygenated blood to the tissues. Given the patient's HR of 55/min, which is below the normal range, it is a clear sign to withhold the medication and seek advice from a healthcare provider.