The drug is Digoxin ( Please put the rationale’s of each nursing consideration below)BEFORE ADMINISTRATION:

Question Answered step-by-step The drug is Digoxin ( Please put the rationale’s of each nursing consideration below)BEFORE ADMINISTRATION:*Take patient’s apical pulse before giving each dose and notify prescriber if it’s below 60 beats/minute (or other specified level). *Before giving loading dose, obtain baseline data (HR and rhythm, BP, and electrolyte levels) and ask patient about use of cardiac glycosides within the previous 2 to 3 weeks. DURING ADMINISTRATION:*Monitor patient’s serum potassium level regularly because hypokalemia predisposes to digitalis toxicity and serious arrhythmias. *Avoid giving with meals, this will delay absorption AFTER ADMINISTRATION:*Monitor patient closely for signs of digitalis toxicity, such as altered mental status, arrhythmias, heart block, nausea, vision disturbances, and vomiting. *Assess for drug effectiveness if patient has acute or unstable chronic atrial fibrillation.  *Obtain frequent ECG tracings as ordered in elderly patients because of their smaller body mass and reduced renal clearance. Elderly patients, especially those with coronary insufficiency, are more susceptible to arrhythmias—particularly ventricular fibrillation—if digitalis toxicity occurs. Health Science Science Nursing NCMB 311 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)