NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam · Question
A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Before administering the medication, what is the nurse's priority assessment?
Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so the nurse must assess the apical pulse rate for one full minute and hold the medication if it is below 60 bpm (or per prescrib
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Question: A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Before administering the medication, what is the nurse's priority assessment?
Answer options:
- Blood pressure ✅ Apical pulse rate
- Respiratory rate
- Peripheral edema
Correct answer: Apical pulse rate
Explanation: Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so the nurse must assess the apical pulse rate for one full minute and hold the medication if it is below 60 bpm (or per prescriber's order).
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