3. Digoxin

how does digoxin help treat heart failure?

increases the strength of heart muscle contractions

what assessment is required before each dose of digoxin? *

count the apical pulse for 1 full minute

when should digoxin be HELD based on an infant’s apical pulse? *

below 90 beats/min

when should digoxin be HELD based on an adolescent’s apical pulse? *

below 60 beats/min

what is the therapeutic serum digoxin range?

0.8–2 ng/mL

what signs of digoxin toxicity should nurses and caregivers watch for? *

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• lethargy

• bradycardia

what should be done if digoxin toxicity is suspected? *

hold the dose, notify the healthcare provider immediately, and obtain a serum digoxin level

oral digoxin should be _____ from meals?

given separately

• meals may alter digoxin absorption