💊 Monitoring Before Giving Digoxin

Let’s understand this in a very simple way.

What is Digoxin?
Digoxin is a cardiac drug used to:

• Improve the heart’s pumping ability
• Treat heart failure
• Control certain abnormal heart rhythms

Why should pulse be checked before giving Digoxin?
Digoxin can slow the heart rate.

👉 If the heart rate becomes too slow, giving Digoxin may be dangerous.

Which pulse should be monitored before administration?

✅ Correct Answer: (a) Apical pulse

Why apical pulse?
The apical pulse is the most accurate way to assess the heart rate before giving Digoxin.

👉 The nurse should:

• Listen at the apex of the heart
• Count for a full 1 minute
• Withhold Digoxin and inform the physician if the pulse is below the prescribed limit (commonly below 60 bpm in adults)

Why other options are not correct?

• (b) Pulse deficit → ❌ May be assessed in cardiac patients, but not the primary check before Digoxin
• (c) Radial pulse → ❌ Less accurate than apical pulse for Digoxin administration
• (d) Pulse pressure → ❌ Not used to decide whether Digoxin should be administered

Important Nursing Point:
Always check the apical pulse for one full minute before administering Digoxin.

Simple Exam Trick:
Digoxin → Can slow heart rate → Check Apical Pulse first

📌 Disclaimer: For exam preparation only. Follow institutional protocols and medication guidelines in clinical practice.

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
Concept clarity • Easy recall • Nursing success