An infant with a ventricular septal defect is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate before digoxin administration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the apical pulse for a full minute to ensure the heart rate is within the appropriate range (usually above 100 bpm in infants). Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so monitoring the apical pulse is essential to prevent potential adverse effects.
A: Taking the infant's blood pressure is not the most appropriate intervention before administering digoxin as the focus should be on assessing the heart rate specifically.
B: Checking the infant's respiratory rate is not directly related to the administration of digoxin, and assessing the pulse rate is more relevant.
C: Checking the infant's radial pulse is not as accurate as assessing the apical pulse when monitoring for potential digoxin-induced changes in heart rate.
In summary, the most appropriate intervention before digoxin administration is to check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute to
Nokea