Final answer:
Before administering digitalis, the nurse should assess the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, signs of fluid overload, digitalis-specific vitals, medical history, and current medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before administering digitalis (dig.), the nurse should assess the patient for certain critical factors. These include assessing the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and signs of fluid overload, such as crackles in the lungs and edema. The nurse should also verify the patient's digitalis-specific vitals, such as potassium levels, as digitalis can affect the heart's electrical properties. Lastly, the nurse should review the patient's medical history and current medications for potential contraindications or interactions with digitalis.