What are the nursing considerations for digoxin?

Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan Serum digoxin levels should be monitored, with a normal therapeutic range from 0.8 to 2 ng/mL. Serum potassium levels should also be closely monitored for patients on digoxin because hypokalemia increases the effect of digoxin and can result in digoxin toxicity.

What nursing action needs to be carried out before administering digoxin?

A nurse should assess the apical pulse for a full minute before administering digoxin due to its positive inotropic action (it increases contractility, stroke volume, and, thus, cardiac output), negative chronotropic action (it decreases heart rate), and negative dromotropic action (it decreases electrical conduction …

What considerations and precautions should be addressed with a patient taking digoxin?

Follow your doctor’s directions carefully. The amount of this medicine needed to help most people is very close to the amount that could cause serious problems from overdose. Some early warning signs of overdose are confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or vision problems.

What are the considerations for digoxin test?

The healthcare provider at the lab will draw blood from your arm or hand with a needle. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you’re taking in addition to digoxin. This includes medications that don’t need a prescription. Taking digoxin within 6 to 12 hours before your test can also affect your result.

What do you assess in an infant before giving digoxin?

Monitor apical pulse for 1 full min before administering. Withhold dose and notify health care professional if pulse rate is <60 bpm in an adult, <70 bpm in a child, or <90 bpm in an infant.

What is most important for the nurse to teach the patient in taking digoxin?

It is best to take digoxin without food. Peak concentration is reduced if taken with food. Meals containing increased fiber or foods high in pectin may decrease absorption. Maintain adequate potassium in diet.

What are nursing implications and considerations?

Nursing consideration and implications are generally summed up as being what a nurse needs to know and do in a particular situation.

What important teaching points need to be included for a patient receiving digoxin?

What supplements should be avoided when taking digoxin?

People taking digoxin should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor. On the other hand, many people taking digoxin are also taking a diuretic; in these individuals, increased intake of potassium may be needed.

What does digoxin do to potassium?

Pathophysiology – Digoxin Toxicity Digoxin toxicity causes hyperkalemia, or high potassium. The sodium/potassium ATPase pump normally causes sodium to leave cells and potassium to enter cells. Blocking this mechanism results in higher serum potassium levels.

Which of the following parameters should be checked before administering digoxin?

Check your pulse before you take your digoxin. If your pulse is under 60 beats per minute, wait 5 minutes. Then check your pulse again.