Final answer:
In older children on digoxin, the dosage should be withheld if the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, but always follow the healthcare provider's specific instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In older children being treated with digoxin, a commonly prescribed medication for various heart conditions, the dosage should generally be held or temporarily stopped if the pulse falls below a certain rate. While guidelines may vary, a common threshold is a pulse rate lower than 60 beats per minute. However, always follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or the prescribing physician, as individual factors must be taken into account. Parents, guardians, or the patients themselves should be thoroughly educated on how to correctly measure the pulse and know the prescribed pulse rate at which they should hold the medication. Additionally, they should be instructed on what steps to follow should the pulse rate fall below that threshold, such as contacting the healthcare provider.